“The party has not made any effort to convince me that it is rejuvenating itself,” the former international trade and industry minister, fondly known as “Tok Pa” said in a statement.

Mustapa, who is the Kelantan Barisan Nasional chairman, said for him, Umno should be an “inclusive and moderate” party which takes the middle ground.

Umno, the Jeli MP added, should champion the Bumiputera cause and that of Islam without sidelining the interest of the other races and religions.

“I believe, this is the best direction to take in a multiracial country.”

Umno, he said, could not only depend on the support of the Malays and Bumiputeras to remain relevant in the current political landscape.

Unfortunately, Mustapa said, based on recent developments, he felt that efforts to regain the people’s trust and restore the party’s image had become an uphill task.

“I see no sign that the majority of the multiracial and multireligious people will believe in Umno’s cause.”

Mustapa’s decision to quit the party, which he has been a member of for 40 years, comes as ties between Umno and PAS become gradually warmer, especially after the Barisan Nasional’s shock defeat in the May 9 polls.

The two parties, once traditional rivals, are mulling to cooperate in the 15th general election.

Mustapa also thanked those who had assisted him in Umno.

“I pray that our country will remain peaceful, prosperous and internationally respected.

“May the new chapter in Malaysia create a more mature and inclusive political culture which prioritises integrity and governance,” he said.

Umno won 54 parliamentary seats in the 14th general election.

Since then, four MPs have quit the party. Apart from Mustapa, the other three are Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, and Bagan Serai MP Noor Azmi Ghazali.