A group of 31 NGOs have warned Bersatu chairperson and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad against repeating what occurred in 1988.

Their joint statement was issued in response to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's claim of an attempt to dissolve Umno and have its MPs join Bersatu.

"The proposed dissolution of 'Umno baru' and crossover of 'Umno baru' MPs to Bersatu resembles the declaration of (the original) Umno as an illegal entity and the crossover of Mahathir’s loyalists to Umno (baru) in 1988.

"We want to issue a stern warning to Mahathir that he should not repeat the historic mistake of destroying a political party by manipulating government machinery, with the aim of strengthening his political power at the expense of democratic institutions,” said the NGOs.

The NGOs said if this happens, then what transpired during the May 9 general election would be in vain as politicians from the losing side can return to power merely by switching sides.

"What is the point of running on competing manifestos if these political promises are replaceable without consent?

"What is the point of seeking a mandate from the people but eventually betray their representation?" read the statement.

The NGOs demanded that all “negotiations or threats” to induce the crossover of Umno lawmakers to be halted with immediate effect.

"We call upon Bersatu to abide by rule of law and respect the spirit of democracy which recognise the essential role of an opposition party.

"It is time for every political party to play its role as either ruling or opposition party decided by the people in the 14th general election," they said.

Last week, Mustapa Mohamed, who won the Jeli parliament seat under an Umno ticket, had joined Bersatu.

Following this, Bersatu supreme council leader A Kadir Jasin said that at least 40 Umno MPs would change camps.

The NGOs which inked the statement were:

1. Agora Society

2. Civil Rights Committee of KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)

3. Angkatan Warga Aman Malaysia (WargaAMAN)

4. Baramkini

5. Damn the Dams Action Group

6. Federation of Malaysian Indian Organisation (PRIMA)

7. Gabungan Pembebasan Akademik - Institut Pengajian Tinggi (GPA-IPT)

8. Gelombang Hijau

9. Gerakan Menuntut Pendidikan Percuma (GMPP)

10. Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)

11. Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT)

12. Johor Yellow Flame (JYF)

13. Malaysian Indians Progressive Association (MIPAS)

14. Malaysian Indians Transformation Action Team (MITRA)

15. Malaysian Youth Care Association (PRIHATIN)

16. Malaysian Election Observers Network (MEONET)

17. Mamas Bersih

18. Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS)

19. North South Initiative (NSI)

20. Pemuda PSM

21. Persatuan Rapat Malaysia (RAPAT)

22. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor (PSWS)

23. Sahabat Rakyat

24. Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM)

25. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

26. Sunflower Electoral Education (SEED)

27. Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy

28. University Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY)

29. Youth Era

30. Youth Section of KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)

31. Youth Section of Melaka Chinese Assembly Hall