The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) committee today received its certificate of registration from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in Putrajaya.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who heads the committee said, with the approval from ROS, it is hoped the party could play a role in defending the people and upholding the truth.

“We would like to thank ROS and Home Minister for giving the approval within 30 days as promised,” he said to the media after meeting with ROS in Putrajaya today.

“We will distribute the membership forms to those who are interested. They can contact our headquarters in Damansara. The forms will also be distributed nationwide," he said.

In addition, Muhyiddin said, membership application could also be done online after going through certain process.

Among those accompanying the former deputy Umno president were Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan.

Following this, Muhyiddin said, Tun Dr Mahathir will chair a meeting to decide on the appointment of the party’s treasurer-general and the opening of its bank account.

"We expect this matter to be expedited,” he added.

Muhyiddin explained that there will be two types of membership in the party, namely full members for Bumiputera - which includes Sabah and Sarawak natives - and another for allied members which are non Bumiputera.

“We hope people will support this party and together we strive to bring back the country’s glorious era, putting Malaysia on the right track, so that our country will stand tall.

“From our observation, people have been waiting for this party. We don't have any target but we do hope that a big number of people will join us, including those who would like to migrate from other political parties,” he said.

Muhyiddin said PPBM has formed a membership committee which will have its own heads at the state and parliamentary level.

Asked weather he was satisfied with ROS' terms not to use the acronym ‘Bersatu’, he said:

“We are not happy about it. As we all know, from the first day when we handed in the party’s registration application, we have suggested for the word 'Bersatu’.

"It is easier to remember, catchy and harmonise with our logo or icon,” he said, while adding, nonetheless they have to accept ROS' explanation that the word has been used by several other parties.

On party elections, he said, ROS has advised PPBM to follow the provision in the constitution whereby the party sponsor or owner will be the party's legitimate leader.