“We will consider whether he is suitable. We can accept but if not suitable we cannot accept.

“We don’t accept everyone,” the PPBM chairman told reporters today, as Pakatan Harapan politicians warned against accepting former Umno leaders into its fold.

Yesterday, DAP’s Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said Rahim was tainted by his past, and warned that allowing him into PPBM would erode the people’s confidence in PH.

Rahim is the latest among several Umno leaders to leave the party, which has recently seen an exodus of members, including former ministers.

Mahathir also addressed several other issues today.

On his political secretary being implicated in corruption

He defended his political secretary Muhammad Zahid Md Arip, who was implicated in the recent corruption charges against former Felda chairman Isa Samad.

He said accusations against him did not necessarily mean that Zahid was in the wrong.

“We have to wait until he goes for trial. If he goes for trial and is found guilty, then we can admit that he is guilty,” he said.

Zahid, Isa’s former special officer, was mentioned in nine out of the 10 corruption charges levelled against him.

On Nurul Izzah’s resignation

Mahathir said he was not aware of Nurul Izzah Anwar’s resignation from her post as PKR vice-president or as the party’s Penang chief.

“I am not from PKR, I don’t know. She must have her reasons.

“I don’t know anything about what’s happening in PKR.”

On the possibility of a Sabah chapter for PPBM

When asked if PPBM would set up shop in Sabah after the mass exit of Umno leaders in the state, he said no.

“But Sabah people can join the party,” he said without elaborating.