‘Vet the entry of ex-Umno leaders’
SHAH ALAM: Pakatan Harapan (PH) must vet the entry of former Umno leaders into the coalition as it could cause more harm than good.
Selangor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Youth chief Abbas Azmi said among the factors that led to PH’s victory in the 14th General Election was the people’s rejection of past leaders who had been tainted by integrity issues.
“PH must ensure that these previous Umno leaders can push PH’s agenda further, and not for individual gain.
“We have to remember that the people chose PH as they believed in the credibility of our leaders.”
Abbas said the mass exodus of Umno leaders and members after GE14 was something they had anticipated.
“However, we cannot prevent these ex-Umno leaders from moving as PH is inclusive by nature. In fact, a large number of PH leaders at one time were also in Umno.
“Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin were formerly from Umno, but when they left, they brought with them principles of fighting for the people.”
He said as long as the presence of former Umno leaders did not affect the people’s agenda, PH would always receive them positively.
“The most important thing is that those who wish to be with PH understand the agenda of championing the people’s rights.”
Recently, Jeli member of parliament Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Kimanis member of parliament Datuk Seri Anifah Aman quit Umno.
Others who exited the party included Bagan Serai MP Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali, Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal.
Those that left also included party veterans Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar and Cheras Umno chief Datuk Syed Ali Alhabshee.