PUTRAJAYA, Aug 9 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today registered his new party as Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Parti Pribumi) and said its purpose will be to defend Islam and the Bumiputera.
The former deputy prime minister added that non-Bumiputera may join the party, although they will be restricted to a second-tier membership that does not permit them to contest for party positions.
“Bersatu’s membership is open for all Bumiputera citizens as well as Orang Asli, those from Sabah and Sarawak as stated in the Federal Constitution.
“It is open to the rest as associate members; they also have same rights as normal members except to vote and contest for party positions although they can be appointed,” he told reporters after submitting the registration documents to the Registrar of Societies here.
Among others, he explained that the party was formed to uphold the position of Islam and to protect the special position of the Malays and other Bumiputera.
On the party’s leadership, Muhyiddin said they have yet to decide on it.
An aide later informed Malay Mail Online that the party will be chaired by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad while Muhyiddin will be its president.
Dr Mahathir is currently hospitalised due to a chest infection. His son, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, is slated to be the vice president of the party.
Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia (GKCM) president Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman will be the party’s secretary while former Langkawi Wanita Umno leader Anina Saadudin is to be treasurer.
Former Bendang Baru Umno Youth chief Akhramsyah Sanusi and head of the Challenger student group, Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, will be committee members.
During the press conference, Muhyiddin added that Parti Pribumi will work with any other political parties and non-governmental organisations with a shared interest in institutional reforms and fighting corruption.
When asked if they will engage with Pakatan Harapan and support Bersih 2.0’s fifth street protest this year, Muhyiddin replied in the affirmative.
Almost all office holders in Parti Pribumi were formerly in Umno and critics of the party leadership.
