BERSATU has formed a committee to screen Umno defectors applying to join the ruling party, said party president Muhyiddin Yassin today.

The committee will be headed by party deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir.

“This committee will consider every application to ensure the applicants are not involved in any scandals, be it corrupt practices, abuse of power or criminal cases,” Muhyiddin said in a statement.

He said party would seek the aid of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police in the screening process.

He said the committee would submit a report but the final decision on whether or not to accept the applicant would rest on the party’s supreme council.

The process applied to all, including former Malacca chief minister Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik, who had applied to join Bersatu, he said.

“It is unfair to assume that Bersatu will automatically accept anyone who submits an application form.
 
“The applications will be determined by the party’s supreme council.”

Bersatu has come under fire for openly welcoming into its fold Umno defectors whom the people have rejected.
 
PH parties and social media users have urged Bersatu not to accept Rahim, warning of damage to the ruling coalition’s credibility.

Yesterday, Rahim submitted his application form to join Bersatu after saying that Umno no longer represented the Malay interests in the country.

Prime Minister and Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad said earlier today that his party would accept Rahim if he is “suitable”. He added this decision would be made after Rahim’s application was vetted. – December 17, 2018.