PETALING JAYA (The Star/Asia News Network) - Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who was sacked by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak last year, said on Thursday (Aug 4) he will submit an application to form a new party with ex-PM and fellow Najib critic Mahathir Mohamad.
"A meeting on the new party held at Dr Mahathir's residence last night went smoothly. I will submit the application to RoS (Registry of Societies) soon," Muhyiddin wrote on his Facebook.
"Let's pray that the application will be approved. God willing, we will do the best for the people and the country!"
He also attached photos of the meeting, which was also attended by Mahathir's son, former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, former Langkawi Umno Wanita member Anina Saadudin, activist and former national debater Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, sacked Teluk Kemang Umno branch leader Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman, and Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi, the son of Umno veteran Tan Sri Sanusi Junid.
Syed Saddiq, when contacted, however said he was not in a position to divulge further details on the new party and whether it would be aligned with the opposition alliance, Pakatan Harapan.
"But what I can tell you is that what happened last night is that seven of us in the photos will be the founding members of the party.
"And there has been a consensus among us to set up the party and submit its registration forms to RoS. That's what we can disclose as of now," he said.
On the name of the new party, Anina said she could not reveal anything yet as the name is subject to RoS' approval.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said later on Thursday the RoS will approve Muhyiddin's application if it fulfills the necessary requirements since Malaysia is a democratic country, New Straits Times reported.
"Many welcome the entry of this new entity, not to support it but to see how long it will last in Malaysian politics. This will be the fifth Umno splinter party," Zahid told reporters.
"I hope Umno members and Barisan Nasional component parties will reject the party," he said.
