IT is up to those sacked from Umno to decide on their future in politics and there is no rush to invite anyone to join Pakatan Harapan (PH) parties, Anthony Loke said.

The DAP secretary-general said there is no need for anyone to “jump the gun” and extend an open invitation to sign up with PH parties.

“It is up to them to decide their next step in their political career. I’m sure they know what the best for them is,” he told reporters at a Chinese New Year event in Kuala Lumpur today.

“So let’s not jump the gun. If anyone wants to make an application, each party will consider it. We don’t want to pre-empt anything.”

Yesterday, Umno sacked Khairy Jamaluddin and Noh Omar – both veteran leaders – for allegedly working against the interests of the party.

At the same time, Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein and incumbent deputy Umno Youth chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan have been suspended for six years.

Also suspended were former Jempol MP Mohd Salim Shariff and former Tiram assemblyman Maulizan Bujang.

Earlier, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said the party will have to make a collective decision if it wants to accept any former Umno members into its fold.

He said it was not his decision alone to welcome any of the Umno leaders who had been recently dismissed by the party.

“We have to discuss that first at the party level. It is not my decision alone,” he was quoted as saying in Sinar Harian today.

“I think we have to look at developments one by one.”

Rafizi also said the question of any of these Umno leaders applying to join PKR remained a speculation.

“For now, that matter does not arise. If it arises, PKR will definitely have to discuss it,” he said.

“As long as it does not arise, it will only be speculation.” – January 28, 2023.