The Malaysian Insight

FORMER international trade and industry minister Mustapa Mohamed has joined Bersatu.

Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad tonight welcomed the former Umno stalwart of 40 years to the party at Bersatu headquarters tonight.

Dr Mahathir said Pakatan Harapan had taken some time to recruit Mustapa after his exit from Umno so as to find out where he stood on certain matters.

“We have given him time to be independent and judging from his stance he is qualified to be a Bersatu member.”

Mustapha said he was delighted to be joining a former Umno leader in Bersatu and that his membership in a ruling party would benefit his constituents.

“I believe it will give me the opportunity to help my constituents in Jeli. 

“I support Dr Mahathir’s decisions to push for integrity. I also support the steps taken by Dr Mahathir to stabilise the economy now,” he said to loud cheers.

The Jeli MP quit Umno on September 18 citing loss of confidence in the party leadership after senior party leaders attended the PAS annual congress in Kuala Terengganu. 

Mustapa, better known as Tok Pa, is also the Air Lanas assemblyman in  Kelantan. 

The 68-year-old is among the five MPs and 13 assemblymen who have quit the party since GE14. 

Mustapa’s arrival takes the number of Bersatu MPs in the Dewan Rakyat to 14. – October 26, 2018.