KUALA LUMPUR:Each of the top leadership of Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) must perform ‘bai'ah’ (oath of allegiance) to the party, said its president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

Mukhriz said that although the move may not serve as a guarantee for those involved not to defect, he hoped they will stick to their bai'ah.

“The state top leadership should also perform the bai'ah, but ordinary members will be excluded,” he said at an online press conference here, today, where he also introduced several new appointments to the party’s central executive council.

Former Bersatu Armada (youth) information chief Ulya Uqamah Husamudin was appointed as the party information chief, former IKRAM vice-president Datin Paduka Asmah Ibrahim was appointed as Pejuanita (women) chief, Dr Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin was appointed as Pejuang Muda (youth) chief, while former UMNO Puteri Division information chief, Nurul Ashikin Nabahwi was appointed Pejuanita Muda chief.

Also announced was the appointment of the heads of several bureaus such as welfare, legal, economic and unity.

Asked whether the party was ready to face the general election (GE), Mukhriz said that preparations had been made in that direction.

Commenting on the conditions to join Pejuang, Mukhriz said that several screenings would be made, especially for individuals for the top positions.

“For certain, the ‘court cluster’ will not be accepted,” he said, referring to the leaders who face cases in court.

-- BERNAMA