Umno leaders who wish to join PKR will have their background and track record vetted, according to the party's president-elect Anwar Ibrahim.

“It will depend on who, how controversial, what dubious deals they were involved in the past," he told Channel News Asia.

The former Umno deputy president said that he was willing to forgive the insults and criticism hurled against him in the past by these leaders.

However, Anwar pointed out that he would not compromise on the issue of corruption.

"I as a person, personally, I'm very forgiving.

“What they blasted me, or dishonourably, that can be forgotten and forgiven. But when it comes to the deals, they have to explain to the authorities," he added.

Anwar, who will contest in the forthcoming Port Dickson by-election, has also welcomed the overtures from certain Umno leaders to campaign for him.

"Why should I be so overconfident or arrogant to say 'no, I don’t need you'.

"But I’m not saying that... because our party platform, Pakatan (Harapan) platform, must be based on certain agenda, certain principles and policies. If they want to do and take initiative on their own, I will say 'welcome'," he added.

As for Umno, Anwar echoed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's stand that it has no place in the Harapan coalition.

He said it is best for the party, which lost its six-decade grip on power in the May 9 general election, to remain as the opposition.

Umno, which is now led by former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, appears to be in crisis following the resignation of several MPs.

In less than 24 hours, Umno has lost two former ministers – Mustapa Mohamed and Anifah Aman – and speculation is rife that more MPs and assemblypersons would quit as well.

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