PETALING JAYA: Former Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed announced tonight that he has joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
The Jeli member of parliament, who had left Umno last month, said he had made the decision to join PPBM after observing developments in the political scene.
“My decision to take this new political course is so that I can serve Jeli constituents better inside and outside parliament,” he said after attending a press conference by PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“I support Dr Mahathir in his emphasis for integrity and transparency in ensuring good governance and creating a new political landscape in Malaysia.”
Mustapa also pledged his support for Dr Mahathir’s and Pakatan Harapan’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s finances which he said would ensure economic sustainability.
“I hope to assist (PPBM) to ensure agendas such as Bumiputera empowerment and the inclusive economic development agendas for a brighter future for all,” he added.
Mustapa thanked Dr Mahathir, PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the other party leaders for approving his application for membership.
Dr Mahathir said the party was happy to accept a former icon from Umno.
“After giving him time as an independent and viewing his stance, we agreed to accept him into the party,” he said.
Mustapa who previously served as Kelantan Barisan National chairman, quit Umno after 40 years.
He had attributed his departure to the party’s increasingly fundamental approach and “warlord politics” which made it irrelevant to Malaysia’s multicultural landscape.