PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin said the process would ensure incoming members were free of corruption.

“The committee will first review every application received to ensure the applicant is not linked to any corrupt practice, abuse of power and crime,” he said.

He said PPBM would also work with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police to help in the filtering process.

He said an appraisal on their political life would also be conducted internally.

Muhyiddin said the decision on accepting the new members would depend on the committee’s report.

Yesterday, former Melaka chief minister Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik submitted his application to join PPBM, prompting cautionary statements from its allies.

DAP’s Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said Rahim was tainted by his past, and warned that allowing him into PPBM would erode the people’s confidence in PH.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said PPBM would accept Rahim if “he is suitable”