KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Former Selangor Chief Minister Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo has officially joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), declaring that UMNO has become nothing more than a “supplementary party” to Pakatan Harapan (PH).

In his announcement, the former Sungai Panjang assemblyman said he was more confident in the sincerity of Bersatu leaders, led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in championing the Malay cause.

Khir Toyo expressed doubt over UMNO’s ability to regain dominance in Malaysian politics, especially under its current alignment with PH. He predicted that UMNO would not contest more seats than PKR in the next general election.

“It is now evident that Bersatu has replaced UMNO. Bersatu currently holds significantly more parliamentary seats than UMNO.

“UMNO has become a supplement to PH. I don’t expect UMNO to contest more seats than PKR in the next general election.

“How can UMNO be dominant when it contests fewer seats? If it continues hiding under PH’s shadow, it will remain a supplementary party,” he stated.

Khir added that while he no longer harboured ambitions for high political office, he could not continue to fight within a party that plays a secondary role to others.

“I deeply appreciate the opportunities UMNO gave me, and I am personally thankful to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for appointing me as the Selangor Chief Minister.

“To Bersatu’s leadership — I am a small man, with no great ambitions. Just let me use what little strength I have left to help ensure this country’s leadership is held by capable Malay leaders who can deliver justice for all, just as UMNO once did,” he added.

— Agency