BAGAN SERAI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called upon more Malaysians to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
The Prime Minister, who is also Pribumi chairman, said it was important to strengthen the party’s membership.
"I am sure many who are here today have not registered as a member.
"I call upon and appeal to all of you to be a part of Pribumi and with that we are able to be affective in influencing the Pakatan Harapan government, which consists of other bigger and stronger parties," he said in his speech during the Pribumi Perak Hari Raya open house event at the Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort here Friday (July 6).
Dr Mahathir said his call was not aimed at competing with other Pakatan component parties, but it was important for Pribumi to also become a big and strong party.
"God willing, our party will become one that is convincing and trustworthy by all the people," he added.
The open house event attracted over 20,000 people, who came as early as noon.
Traffic around the lake resort also became a standstill at once as the boisterous crowd was thronging.
Looking at the huge crowd, Dr Mahathir also said that support was strong for the party although it only won 13 parliamentary seats in GE14.
"Because of some reasons that I need not mention again here, we won only 13 seats.
"However, we must thank Pakatan for giving a chance to this Pribumi leader to helm the prime minister post.
Dr Mahathir also gave his assurance that Pribumi was the "replacement protector party" for Umno, but also one that would not behave like Umno, in protecting the benefits of the Malays.
He also expressed confidence that Pakatan would win the next general election if the coalition contested under a common logo.
