PETALING JAYA: Those keen to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia will have to go through its supreme leadership council, says party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said Bersatu has guidelines and mechanisms in selecting new members.
In light of the recent exodus of leaders and members from Umno, Muhyiddin said that membership applications would be vetted by its supreme leadership council.
“Bersatu practises an open policy on accepting any bumiputras who are 18 years and above to be party members, according to our constitution.
“Once their applications are accepted, the council will decide on their membership based on several aspects, to protect the party’s interest,” he said.
Muhyiddin added that these applications could be rejected based on reasonable grounds.
These include being involved in corruption or abuse of power, and a criminal conviction.
“Joining Bersatu does not absolve one from action from the law based on the offences committed,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page Monday (Dec 17).
He also said that this vetting process applies to all applications, including those from Members of Parliament, assemblymen, and even leaders who have quit their parties.
“Bersatu does not restrict applications from former opposition party members, with the condition that they passed the vetting process, as well as repent and realise their mistake in supporting kleptocratic leaders in the past,” he said.
Muhyiddin also said that Bersatu is not bound to provide any positions in the party to these individuals.