In an open letter, Bersatu’s seven founding members explained the reasons the party was created, the key of which is to save Malaysia from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
While still waiting for approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS), they provided a list of their objectives for the nation, which reads like an election manifesto, and urged Malaysians to join them in the struggle.
The seven noted how Malaysia’s rapid development and administration served as examples for other Third World nations and her people were respected abroad.
However, the scenario, according to them, is now different.
At present, the seven claimed, Malaysia is known for its widespread corruption and for having a deplorable finance minister.
“We also have a prime minister who is being investigated because there is a big possibility of (his) involvement in money laundering amounting to billions.
“1MDB has lost billions of ringgit. At the same time, Najib had RM2.6 billion in his personal bank accounts,” reads the letter, which was published on Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s blog.
The seven also noted that the national debt had risen to billions of ringgit.
“Although the national budget appears high, ministries as well as government agencies and institutions have been ordered to slash expenditure by 30 percent.
“At the same time, cost of living increased because of GST, hike in quit rent, reduction of petrol subsidy and the retraction of the tax-free status for Langkawi and Labuan.”
No democracy, no rule of law
The seven also alleged that there is no democracy and no rule of law, while government officers are replaced with those who are loyal to the prime minister.
They claimed these officers are placed in positions of power for their willingness to do the wrong things when ordered.
“Crimes in the government are kept secret. Those who expose (them) are questioned, arrested, jailed and brought to court.
“The situation in the country and its image abroad are terrible. When overseas, people are embarrassed to admit they are Malaysians.
“There seems to be no effort to stop these crimes and rectify the situation. What is emphasised instead is loyalty to Najib as president of Umno and prime minister.
“And there are many more detriments to this beloved nation because of Najib.”
Therefore, the founding seven said, the time has come to rescue the nation, failing which, all would be destroyed and the future generations would suffer in poverty, without dignity.
“Our party aims to be a tool for the people who truly love this nation. We hope to serve to rehabilitate the nation.”
The seven also outlined their objectives:
- We will return democracy and the rule of law.
- All weaknesses (in the system) that can be misused by elected leaders will be dismantled.
- Fiscal management will be governed by laws and new rules so that the prime minister or ministers cannot conceal any expenditure.
- Transparency will be practised in all matters.
- Education and training will be provided on a large scale to all races so that they can obtain employment with remuneration in tandem with their productivity.
- Sufficient aid will be provided to the poor and disabled.
- Scholarships for higher learning will be provided to all according to their needs.
“We believe we have the experience and ideas to rehabilitate the economy and national politics, which we will disclose from time to time.
“So join our party for the well-being of all.”
The seven founding members of Bersatu are Mahathir, former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir, former Umno member Anina Saadudin, chairperson of a group of rebel Umno branch chiefs (Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia, or GKCM) Kamarulzaman Habibur Rahman, former Bendang Baru Umno Youth chief Akhramsyah Sanusi and student group Challenger leader Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman.
