KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin denied today accusations of racism over his new Bumiputera-centred party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
Parti Pribumi, which is led by former Umno members who have left or were sacked by the ruling party, came under criticism earlier this week for restricting the non-Bumiputera to associate membership.
“It does not matter (about it being Bumiputera-only).
“I’m not racist. We fight for all Malaysians. And we are even better than some of the parties, which I don’t have to mention, where memberships are also inclusive,” he told reporters after attending a blood donation drive here this morning.
Malay Mail Online obtained a recording of the press conference.
Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin, who was removed from government last year, is the president of Parti Pribumi while former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is chairman.
Muhyiddin also stressed that the most important part about the new party is the issues that the party will champion and talk about, and not its membership structure.
“It's about what the party stands for. Look at the constitution, it spells out what Malaysians in general are concerned about. It's not only the policy of the party, but it is enshrined in the constitution,” he said.
“We are talking about the issue of rights of all Malaysians, issue of good governance, issue of corruption, against abuse of power. I think what Malaysians expect from every political party, we spelled it out very clearly in the constitution,” he added.
He said that the issue of racism “does not arise at all”.
Muhyiddin also said that Umno should not be afraid of Parti Pribumi after Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor described it as a “common” party.
“Our party is so common. Umno should not be scared of this party, we are like a mosquito party,” he said.
“Until today, we are not even officially formed. We do not have members or branches, we don't have millions [of] members, we don't have money. So they shouldn't be so worried,” he added.
Muhyiddin said that Umno leaders have the right to criticise Parti Pribumi, but stressed that “less” can be said about the party.
“Give us a chance; I think Malaysians want to see. Does it mean Umno feel that the birth of a new party is a threat?” he said.
