LETTER | The callout to Umno politicians to join Bersatu has met with sneers as well as some degree of reservation from leaders of the opposition.

Likewise, even within the Pakatan Harapan fold, some element of apprehension seems to permeate.

In this numbers game, we may eventually lose focus of a more fundamental value.

This value is about how politicians perform and will be rated in the court of public perception. It is this alone that will eventually determine the strength or weakness of a party a politician wants to belong to.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in opening his arms to "members" of the opposition would also have sent a strong warning which, however, may have been glossed over by the media's reporting.

Any crossover to Bersatu must be matched with credentials of integrity, honour and a passion to build a "one Malaysia".

Anything less will be tantamount to re-etching a party that is reminiscent of the failing, falling Umno.

In anticipation of a sinking ship, every politician worth his or her salt must have a lifeline extended to moor onto a greater party to continue to serve the people.

And those courting the idea or intention to join Bersatu must again be reminded that their performance will be the final voice in determining whether they stay or fade away.

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