Ahead of a Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting today, two top Amanah leaders have described Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's invitation to Malay parties to join Bersatu as a "normal" move to strengthen the party.
Met by reporters in the Parliament, lobby Amanah president Mohamad Sabu (photo) said all political parties will strive to strengthen their own support base.
"However, the Malays must (also) be strong, especially in Harapan, so that the government is balanced and seen to be stronger in the future," he said.
Quizzed on whether the Harapan chairperson should have first consulted Bersatu's other coalition partners, Mohamad insisted Mahathir had extended a "logical invitation" to all Malay parties, including Umno and PAS.
"We (Harapan presidential council) will meet this evening. All members are free to speak up," he said.
"Rallying the Malays and all the rakyat to be with Harapan, that is what we are working towards now," said Mohamad, adding that he has personally visited PAS strongholds in Kedah as part of the ongoing effort.
Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub echoed Mohamad's statement that there was nothing out of the ordinary with Mahathir's invitation, which has since been snubbed by top Umno and PAS leaders.
"It is normal for any party to welcome anyone to join, including Amanah also.
"We welcome anyone to join our party. We are quite normal about that," said Salahuddin, the MP for Pulai.
Last Friday, Mahathir had invited all Malay parties, including Umno, to join Bersatu in efforts to unite the Malays and ensure they are still able to win elections.
He said this is due to Malays being too divided, with more and more Malay parties being formed. - Mkini
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