KJ can apply to join Bersatu, says Muhyiddin

MUAR - Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin can submit an application to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) after he was sacked from Umno on Friday.

Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the application from the former Rembau MP – if received – would be considered before a decision is made.

"KJ is smart and everyone likes him, however it's up to them (Bersatu) to decide if he is suitable for the party.

"We have worked together in the previous government and I appointed him even when the party didn't name him.

“He was the minister for MOSTI (Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry) and then the health minister so clearly, he is a smart person with high education and maturity in politics.

"So, if KJ wants to join Bersatu then he should go for it. We will carefully consider his application," he said on Saturday.

Muhyiddin had earlier attended a Chinese New Year celebration at Pagoh Sports Complex Hall here.

Apart from Khairy, former Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar was also sacked from the party as at the Umno supreme council meeting chaired by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last night.

The dismissal was made due to violation of the party's discipline, according to Umno constitution, during the 15th General Election (GE15).

Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Umno deputy youth chief Shahril Hamdan were also suspended of their memberships.

Muhyiddin said he could not comment further about the dismissal of Umno's big names.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't interfere in other party's affair but as the former deputy president and someone who was a member of Umno, I can say people in the same shoes as me or others feel slightly disappointed and sad," he said.