SOME former Umno members who joined Bersatu after the last general election will be allowed to contest in the upcoming party polls, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Bersatu chairman said although there are rules that prevents them from contesting, he said there are exemptions.

“According to the rules, they cannot contest but we do give exemption for certain cases, like those who are not involved in any criminal acts,” he said after visiting Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd’s rail depot in Serendah today.

The prime minister did not name anyone when asked if the exemptions included Jeli member of Parliament Mustapa Mohamed, who left Umno and joined Bersatu on October 2018. 

He said former Umno members who are currently holding positions in Bersatu’s divisions and branches, are allowed to contest despite not being a member for a year. 

“Generally they are not allowed but there may be certain special cases, which we will consider,” Dr Mahathir said.

Candidates who wish to contest at the division level will need to register their candidacy with the party election committee officers at their respective division offices on January 26, from 9am to 2pm.

Dr Mahathir was asked if he condones corruption in the party polls, to which he strongly denied. – January 13, 2020.