KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — A new Malay Muslim party may soon emerge in Malaysia if supporters of Umno dissidents Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal had any say.

Mukhriz’s fan club started a poll on its Facebook page today asking Internet users if the trio should set up a new political party, adding that their vote "yes” or "no” might sway either leader to form one.

As at 2pm, the survey has drawn over 5,500 "likes” and 1,300 comments. The Facebook page instead has over 221,000 supporters and most of the comments appear to be supportive of a new party as mooted by sacked Umno deputy president Muhyiddin yesterday when he disclosed he was looking for a "new political platform”.

One Facebook user named Bentara Putera whose comment drew over 100 "likes” voted for a new party, but added a caveat.

"I agree but under one condition, operate on own identity. Do not merge with PAS, PAN or DAP. Let them be the check and balance,” he said, referring to the three federal opposition parties.

Another user suggested more than one party to be set up: calling on Mukhriz the former Kedah mentri besar to establish one in his home state and for Muhyiddin who is Pagoh MP to similarly establish a separate party in Johor, the birthplace of Umno.

"Mukhriz should open a party in Kedah. Muhyiddin should open a party in Johor. After that both should collaborate. But first ensure both parties can administer their respective states,” said the comment by Putera Faizal which had over 80 "likes”.

The survey however, did not have a closing deadline. Malay Mail Online has contacted the page administrator and is awaiting a response.

Some naysayers said a new party was unnecessary for the former Umno leaders to continue their campaign to revamp the country’s biggest political party with its other three million members.

"No. There is no need to be like Semangat46. We can move the support and trust of the grassroots within the party to rid corruption in Umno,” said Hazrulnizam Anu Bakar.

Semangat 46 was a former Umno splinter founded by Gua Musang MP Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah after he was ousted by his then rival and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Mukhriz’s father, which is now defunct.

Mukhriz and Muhyiddin were expelled from Umno last Friday, putting an end to over a year of their criticism against the Malay party led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who is also the party president and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition chairman.

Shafie who is Semporna MP however is still a member of Umno, though he has been suspended as its vice-president.