KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 30): Members of Parliament (MPs) from Umno are welcome to join whatever political party they choose within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, says Minister of Economic Affairs and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

"If there's any Umno MPs that admit the effectiveness and the success of policies implemented by the PH government, then they can reject Umno and join PH," he told reporters after launching the "China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) and Southeast Asia" — a joint publication by CIMB Asean Research Institute and LSE IDEAS here today.

"PKR welcomes any Umno MPs that admit the policies by the PH government is a right move forward in fulfilling the aspirations of the people," he added.

Azmin cited Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed's recent departure from Umno, who is Jeli MP, and his decision to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) — which forms part of the PH coalition.

"He (Mustapa) was an authoritative icon in Umno. I have mentioned it in my tweet and in Parliament (before that) as a minister, he is responsible to give facts and enlighten the debate.

"He felt that Umno is no longer a container that can be maintained due to the corruption culture which led to the downfall of the state sovereignty," Azmin said.

Azmin is of the view that Umno members have seen the differences in governing under PH and Barisan Nasional.

"If they can differentiate the success, of course they would leave Umno and join PH. We can join forces together to restore the nation and the economy.

On Umno MPs choosing to join Bersatu like Mustapa, Azmin said it depends on the individual. "They can choose any parties that they like as long as it's under PH. The important thing is that they leave Umno," he said, calling for Umno members to reject the party and accept the reform agenda.