DAP’s Charles Santiago said PPBM under Mahathir would not be threatened by the influx of such members.
“While Mahathir is still around, they (party members) will listen to him. He has a strong grip of the party and he can control the party,” Santiago told FMT.
“They should consider the post-Mahathir environment,” he added.
PPBM has lifted a moratorium on recruiting members from rival parties. The moratorium was imposed two months ago by Mahathir, the party’s chairman, who said PPBM would accept Umno members provided they become “independent” first.
Santiago, who is Klang MP, said if too many Umno MPs join PPBM, the party could turn into another version of Umno.
Amanah’s Khalid Samad said accepting defectors is not a problem, but urged PPBM to be “careful” with some former Umno leaders in their midst.
“Those with a bad track record need to get clearance first before joining,” said the Shah Alam MP.
He said the same rules should apply to those who want to join Amanah, PKR and DAP.
PKR’s Rafizi Ramli said what is important is that PPBM’s commitment does not change with the influx of ex-members from rival parties.
“I think every party must have a thorough process to make sure the influx of Umno members do not change our commitment to the country.”