GABUNGAN Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) calls on Dr Mahathir Mohamad to immediately stop accepting Umno turncoats into Bersatu.

Such absorption is not just democratically wrong, but may also destabilise Malaysian politics and result in three unintended consequences that undo the “New Malaysia” as Dr Mahathir’s last political legacy.

GBM reminds that Pakatan Harapan was voted in on the belief that it is a transparent pact that will deliver political stability and national renewal, with Dr Mahathir as prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim’s succession and the balance of power between PH components.

Accepting Umno turncoats into Bersatu is bound to disrupt the balance of power within PH, and may trigger a race between PH parties to attract Umno lawmakers.

GBM warns that a meltdown of Umno and absorption by PH parties may have three unintended consequences.

First, Umno and its patronage culture may make a return to government through the back door.

Second, PH securing a super majority may induce a sense of invincibility, and accelerate fighting between PH parties and with ally Parti Warisan Sabah.

Third, removing Umno as a viable opposition may result in the growth of far-right politics. With more crossovers, we foresee a weakened Umno being forced to play the race and religion card frequently so as to stay in contention, leading to stronger partnerships with PAS to attain gains.

GBM urges Dr Mahathir to put his legacy before the short-term benefits for Bersatu. Malaysians would like to remember him as the leader who built a genuine, multiparty democracy instead of one who caused instability in PH and the pact’s implosion.

GBM cautions PH that 10 months after the regime change, Malaysians are getting frustrated with the bickering between PH politicians from either the same party or other components.

Dr Mahathir made a commitment to not accept Umno turncoats on May 16 last year, saying: “We feel that the people cannot accept Umno… thus, they should not be accepted as party members. It will not sit well with the rakyat who do not want the old government to influence the new government. Their participation will not be accepted.”

He should heed his own wisdom 10 months ago, and focus his energy to making a multiparty democracy work in Malaysia, not risk undoing his last political project for short-term gains. – February 15, 2019.

* Issued by GBM members, as follows:

1) LLG Cultural Development Centre

2) Tindak Malaysia

3) Persatuan Bekas Siswazah Universiti dan Kolej di China, Malaysia

4) Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara

5) Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

6) Engage

7) Muslim Professionals Forum

8) All Women’s Action Society

9) Negri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall

10) Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia

11) Merdeka University Bhd

12) Tamil Foundation Malaysia

13) Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen

14) Suara Rakyat Malaysia

15) Monsoons Malaysia

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.