KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — The newly-formed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia was created not only for those who are unhappy with Umno but also to better represent the indigenous people of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir has said.

The party’s vice-president added that the party would ultimately look out for all Malaysians in a bid to replace the current Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

"It is a party representing the indigenous community, it’s more inclusive.

"Fighting for not only our self-interest but rather to defend the rights of the rakyat as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” Mukhriz said in an interview with Malay daily Sinar Harian.

The former Kedah mentri besar added that many within Umno are already "dissatisfied” with the party, giving way for Parti Pribumi to rise up instead.

"Just look at the crisis its president is going through. So based (on) the basis of protecting the welfare of the public and forming a clean and trustworthy government, Bersatu will rise up! I am confident they will consider Bersatu,” he said.

Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin submitted the application to form the party with the Registrar of Societies on Tuesday.

Among others, he said the party aims to uphold the position of Islam and to protect the special position of the Malays and other Bumiputera.

Parti Pribumi will not block non-Bumiputera from joining as previously expected, but they would not be able to stand for party positions.