HULU SELANGOR: Some former Umno leaders who have crossed-over to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) may be allowed to contest in the upcoming party elections.
Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said while new members were generally barred from contesting, exceptions would be made on a case-by-case basis.
“According to the rule, generally, members (who joined the party less than a year) are not allowed to contest.
“But exceptions would be given in special cases (of those) who are not involved in criminal acts,” Dr Mahathir told reporters after visiting Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd’s rail depot in Serendah.
He, however, appeared coy when asked to confirm the names of the former Umno leaders who would be running for party seats.
Some of the rumoured individuals were ministers in the previous administration, including Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, Datuk Dr Latiff Ahmad, Datuk Rosol Wahid, Datuk Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh, Datuk Shahbudin Yahya and Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
Dr Mahathir was reported as saying that there were plans to amend Bersatu’s constitution to enable a direct election and allow regular members to run for top posts.
The party’s supreme council had agreed that an extraordinary general meeting on July 20 would be held to make the amendment.
Bersatu will hold its inaugural party elections, starting with the branch level, beginning this month.