"Not impossible" for Umno to accept Mukhriz back

Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir is welcome to rejoin Umno if he feels it is the best way to become prime minister, said Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

The party information chief said it is "not impossible" for Umno to accept Mukhriz back in its fold.

He was commenting on a statement by blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who said that rejoining Umno and becoming finance minister would be "the best way" for Mukhriz to win the premiership.

"He is a credible blogger, intelligent, but all he says is not always right.

"However, it is not impossible for Umno to take back Mukhriz. This is a people's party and we are open," Annuar said at a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre Monday.

"We can discuss this because there is no such thing in Umno that you have to leave forever. This doesn't only apply to him, but everyone," he said, adding that accepting anyone who has left would be for the sake of the party.

Mukhriz was sacked by Umno on June 24 after he took the same stage as the Opposition to speak against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.




Asked about former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was also sacked and his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (Pribumi) intention to contest in the next general election, Annuar said he welcomed it.

"They (Pribumi) are most welcome to contest. I am honestly glad for them.

"We thought they would end up contesting in only 20 or 30 seats because PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) would not give them seats.

"But if they want to contest in 120 seats like Umno, then that is good. We welcome them and I wish Muhyiddin all the best," he said.

Annuar, who is also Ketereh MP, also said that Umno members are welcome to join the Bersih 5 rally, which is to take place on Nov 19.

"They can join if they want, we are an open party," he said.

Asked if it would see the members facing action, Annuar said, "It depends. We will see. It hasn't happened yet."

He, however, condemned Bersih and called it an "apparatus of the Opposition".

Source -The Star Online-