Umno welcomes former Bersatu leaders into its ranks, provided they follow our rules, says Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU - Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his party is willing to accept former Bersatu members or leaders into its ranks, provided they follow the rules and regulations of the party.

Following allegations of party leaders and members from both Umno and Bersatu crossing the aisle ahead of the Johor state elections, Zahid said all members regardless of their rank have to abide by the party’s constitution.

“Not only that their leaders, in places in Mersing, Kota Tinggi and even Johor Bahru have joined us but their members have returned to the right path as well however they would still need to follow the rules and regulations as prescribed under Umno’s constitution,’’ he said in a press conference in Larkin here today.

Prior to the election and even during, Bersatu was hit with several series of defection by its members, with some crossing to Umno or even Warisan.

Last month, Johor Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang and former exco member Mohd Izhar Ahmad had also announced their announcement from the party, citing a lost of trust in party chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership.

Johoreans will go to the polls this March 12.