PERAK DAP has called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate a claim that 40 MPs may leave Umno and join Bersatu to avoid having to face the possibility of corruption charges.

Its vice-chairman, Abdul Aziz Bari, said it was a matter of concern, especially if there were offers of positions and such.

He said the law does not prohibit the crossover of elected representatives from the opposition to the government.

“Nevertheless, it is not something good in the moral sense. They were elected on their party tickets and if they cross over, it will not be healthy for the nation’s political stability.

“What promises were made to them and are there offers of posts and such? I feel MACC can investigate this speculation and scrutinise the developments,” he said at a press conference after opening the delegates meeting of the Peninsular Malaysia Union of Administrative Assistants (Education) in Taiping.

Abdul Aziz, who is the Perak education, technology, science, and environment committee chairman, was commenting on a statement by Bersatu Supreme Council member A. Kadir Jasin who said that up to 40 Umno MPs could leave the party and join Bersatu.

Kadir had reportedly said that Bersatu compels potential members to first serve as independents, with the party reserving the right to accept or reject their applications.

In Alor Setar, Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir said the party will screen any potential members from among Umno leaders to ensure that they are “clean” and can uphold the Pakatan Harapan government’s new political culture.

He said that those who intend to join Bersatu should fulfill certain conditions such as leaving their “unhealthy” practices in Umno behind.

He also said that Bersatu will not be too open as to consider accepting the MPs for Pekan (Najib Razak), Bagan Datuk (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), Baling (Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim) and Padang Rengas (Nazri Abdul Aziz).

“We welcome the others who are interested (to join Bersatu),” he said to reporters at the presentation of the Kedah Women’s Football Jersey ahead of the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup 2018 Tournament.

Mukhriz, who is the Kedah menteri besar, welcomed Jeli MP Mustapa Mohamed who joined Bersatu after having quit Umno on September 18.

He said Mustapa is a well-known and professional leader of integrity and he (Mukhriz) himself had been the deputy minister when the former was the international trade and industry minister. – Bernama, October 29, 2018.