PUTRAJAYA: Former Umno members who have been accepted into Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will not be allowed to hold any positions until the 15th general election (GE15).
Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said their past would be thoroughly reviewed.
“Should they be accepted to join Bersatu, they cannot hold any position until GE15. Long? Yes, it is a long time.
“A test of sincerity cannot be done in haste. Former Umno members must discard the old culture and be seen to be truly sincere,” he said in his policy speech tonight.
“There is uneasiness (among those in Bersatu) to see many former Umno (apply to) join Bersatu. They are afraid these ex-Umno people will spread the Umno culture.
“Bersatu will not easily accept them. There are conditions (to be met) - must exit Umno and become an independent, and who sincerely supports Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu.”
Dr Mahathir also said the Malays and the Bumiputera must uphold the truth and not shift blame to others without making any move to improve themselves.
“It is best for us to acknowledge our own weaknesses...we have the power to correct them and not others.”
He said Bersatu had made mistakes but he did not elaborate.
“I don’t have to say what they are. But, we must admit there are many things which have been done to improve our performance as a government, but the success (rate) is (still) pitiful,” Dr Mahathir added.