More than 100,000 ex-Umno members apply to join PPBM

PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that the party’s entry into Sabah would enhance cooperation with those who had left Umno, but were reluctant to join Pakatan Harapan’s allies in the state.

(NST) – More than 100,000 former Umno members have applied to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

“We welcome the announcement that PPBM is opening branches in Sabah,” said former Sabah Umno chief Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor

“More than 100,000 ex-Umno members, including members of parliament and assemblymen, as well as division leaders who left the party last year, have applied to join PPBM,” said Hajiji, who was performing Umrah when contacted by the New Straits Times.

PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that the party’s entry into Sabah would enhance cooperation with those who had left Umno, but were reluctant to join Pakatan Harapan’s allies in the state.

On Feb 5, Hajiji said PPBM would spread its wings to Sabah, but was tight-lipped over whether ex-Umno members would join the party.

Hajiji was among the eight assemblymen and five members of parliament in Sabah who had left Umno after losing confidence in the party’s direction.

“As for PPBM’s leadership in Sabah, it is up to Tun M to decide,” he added.

Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said PPBM was free to establish branches nationwide.

“However, it would be better for Sabah’s development if it is led by leaders from existing state-based parties,” he said.