Bersatu Internal Crisis: UMNO Doors Remain Open - Mohamed Khaled

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the party has always kept its doors open for members and leaders of Bersatu to return, in order to strengthen and reinforce Malay unity.

As chairman of the Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa Committee, Mohamed Khaled welcomed the move, and stressed that there is no need for the formation of another new party.

“Return to UMNO. I hope that the Malays can reunite under one platform, as continued division does not serve Malay interests.

“We need to unite under a single platform to fight for Malay interests, and ensure that the Malays remain strong in facing various challenges,” he told reporters, after presenting the Back-to-School Assistance for the Pasir Gudang parliamentary constituency, here, today.

He added that, although some quarters believe that now is an appropriate time to hold a general election (GE) or state elections, the decision ultimately rests with party leadership, to assess and consider all factors before making any decision.

Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, said the internal crisis within Bersatu clearly reflects the fragility of the UMNO splinter party, and that the situation has affected the stability of Perikatan Nasional (PN), thereby raising questions over the level of confidence that the public can place in the party.

He said the situation also gives the impression that it revolves more around a struggle for positions, than a fight to address the needs and challenges faced by the people.

Previously, Bersatu had expelled 17 members, including several leaders from its Supreme Leadership Council (MPT), among them four Members of Parliament and two assemblymen, for violating Clause 9.1.4 of the party’s constitution. They can still submit an appeal within 14 days.

Yesterday, the media reported that UMNO Supreme Council (MKT) member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said applications from Bersatu members seeking to rejoin UMNO must first be referred to the MKT before any decision is made.

-- BERNAMA