PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed's departure from Umno as something that the former International Trade and Industry should have done earlier.
"Umno is already damaged. He (Mustapa) should have left earlier. A bit late though. But, he has left, that is fine," he told reporters.
Asked on his view should Mustapa want to join Pakatan Harapan, Dr Mahathir said it would be up to the former Umno veteran leader.
"But, he has not said so. (If he is interested), he has to prove that he is different than before," he told reporters after the 2018 Malaysia Franchise Awards programme tonight.
Mustapa was reported to have left Umno after spending more than 40 years in the party.
In a statement, the Jeli member of parliament said he believes that Umno’s direction and his political principles are no longer aligned, hence his decision to quit the party.
He said he is also unconvinced that Umno’s rejuvenation process has begun.
Mustapa, who was Kelantan Umno liaison commitee chairman, said he, like many others, had after the 14th general election, observed the Malaysian political landscape, Umno’s and Barisan Nasional’s direction as well as the future of the country.
He said, based on several latest developments, it would be difficult to repair the “trust deficit” and the party’s image. There are no signs, he said, that the majority of the multi-racial community would return to the party’s struggle.
Mustapa said Umno should become a party that is inclusive, moderate and centrist.