KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — Parti Pribumi (Pribumi) cannot take over the role and struggle of Umno, and will be buried after the 14th general election (GE14).

Secretary of Political, Security and International Affairs Cluster, National Professors Council, Prof Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Sidek said Pribumi’s readiness in championing the people was questionable while Umno has a brilliant record.

“Since it is a new party, I’m not sure they can take over from Umno since the general election is some 700 days away. Umno has loyal followers who are not willing to quit for a new party built on frustration and revenge,” he told Bernama when commenting a newspaper report today quoting Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir that Pribumi is determined to replace Umno.

The party would only appear before GE14 and would be buried afterwards, as happened to Umno splinter parties, including Semangat 46.

Abdul Halim said in contrast, Umno is a 70 year-old party with a brilliant record in championing the people despite the leadership crisis over the years.

Meanwhile, Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak said Pribumi has to start a recruitment drive soon if the party hopes to take over the role of Umno.

“The sign that the party is able to take over from Umno is not visible, such as the exodus of Umno members to join the new party.

“Are Umno members willing to join a new party? This is a big question mark,” said the political analyst.

Meanwhile, Veteran Umno secretary-general Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said Pribumi was trying to be like Umno in GE14 to confuse the people.

However, the new party did not have a clear goal and direction, unlike Umno which is committed to safeguard the Malay community.

“Since 1946, Umno has upgraded the economy of Bumiputeras and enhance the national policies. So what more than can Pribumi do?,” he asked.

Meanwhile, Kelab Sahabat N87 chairman Datuk Seri Dr Sulaiman Mohamed said Pribumi, which was formed based on hate and revenge to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would not undermine Umno.

“Umno is the life of the Malays. The Malays are strong because of Umno.

Pribumi has no basic struggle despite claims of wanting to take over from Umno,” he said in a statement.

Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Tuesday submited an application to register a new political party at the the Registrar of Societies (ROS) office in Putrajaya. — Bernama