Dr Kelvin Yii
KUCHING: Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament Dr Kelvin Yii does not think that talks on the merger of Umno and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) as claimed by Umno will materialise.
This, he said, was because it was clear in the last general election that the people had voted for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and change, and clearly rejected Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno.
He pointed out that the politics of Umno is also rejected in Sarawak and thus component partners of PH would not accept the decision to merge the two parties if there is any intention, especially when Umno has certain leaders with corrupt history and baggage.
“The strength and stability of PH even in Sarawak has been built upon years of close working relationship and even suffering together in the fight against the previous Barisan Nasional regime.
“On top of that, such merger will defeat the purpose of the reforms and direction we intend to take in this ‘Malaysia Baru’,” he said.
Dr Yii was asked for comments on claims that Umno was contemplating to merge with Bersatu.
He said unless and only if the previous Umno or BN leaders are vetted by the proper authorities and agree to abide by PH’s reform agenda, only then can consideration be given whether to allow them into the coalition or not on a case to case basis.
He stressed that bloc merging would be rejected as it is against the spirit of PH and also the wishes of the people.
Dr Yii admitted that there were multiple and different claims mainly by Umno of a merger either with Bersatu or even PKR.
He believes all these are just a “psychological game’ deployed by Umno to split PH and also a desperate attempt to remain relevant after the party was rejected in the last election.
“It also shows that Umno is desperate and their warlords, who had enjoyed so many perks and privileges, simply do not have the stamina to survive the harsh reality of being in the opposition.
“So instead, they resort to psychological games and even baseless claims in an attempt to divide PH or create mistrust among leaders and members.
“We in DAP remain steadfast in the rejection of the corrupt practices and racial and religious sentiments played by Umno in an attempt to divide the people,” he said.
Dr Yii alleged that Umno was just trying to divert from their own problems, with even their own senior members rejecting the leaders and quitting the party.
Perlis Umno deputy chairman Zahidi Zainul Abidin revealed on Wednesday that Umno and Barisan Nasional MPs had met
Bersatu leaders to discuss a merger.
Zahidi, who is Padang Besar MP, said the purpose of the discussions was to seek the “best option to save the Malays”.