KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is leaving its doors open in case sacked Umno man Khairy Jamaluddin wants to join the party.
Its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the former Umno Youth chief could submit a formal application to become a Bersatu member, and that he was willing to hold discussion to consider this.
"Khairy is a smart man and liked by many people. It is not an issue because I know all these leaders (who were sacked by Umno), and it is up to them if they feel they are suited (to join Bersatu).
"I'm not trying to praise him, but when (Khairy) was with me under the previous government, I appointed him as a minister despite his party not proposing his name.
"We know he's smart and quite matured in politics. If Khairy intends to join (Bersatu), he may apply for it, discuss it with us and we will properly consider it," he said when quoted by an online portal today.
He was speaking to reporters after a Pagoh parliamentary constituency-level Chinese New Year celebration at the Pagoh Sports Complex.
Muhyiddin said Umno's sacking of Khairy and another Umno leader as well as suspension of other leaders for violating party regulations reflected the undemocratic practices of the party.
"I am sorry. I shouldn't be interfering in affairs of other parties, but I had been part of that party (Umno) in the past. If I had see such things happening, I'd be disappointed and sad.
"What happened to Umno? It is as if it no longer practices democracy. They decide to sack people just like that.
"As far as I know, the party has a constitution."
He said he had been an Umno constitutional committee chairman prior to his sacking from the party, and was aware that procedures must be followed for a member's termination.
"A show-cause letter must be issued. Then, there is an opportunity for an appeal and for it to be considered," he said when quoted by the Malay daily.