Well-known BN figures to jump ship, says Mahathir (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has claimed that there are well known figures from Barisan Nasional (BN) who are planning to join the opposition coalition ahead of the 14th general election (GE14).
PH chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said those who had approached the coalition were incumbents who had been dropped by BN from contesting in the upcoming polls.
"New ones are taking their places as candidates, so they are not very happy," he said.
"I heard (there will be) revolts in many places. There is also offers to sabotage. Some even indicated they would love to join PH," he told a press conference after a briefing session for PH candidates at the MBPJ auditorium.
Mahathir however refused to provide any names when asked by reporters on the details of the BN leaders.
"There are not very many. But they are well know figures. I won't name them as it will be an embarrassment (to them)," he said.
Mahathir stated that the condition befalling BN had indicated that the ruling coalition would be facing a bigger problem to maintain their power.
Mahathir admitted that there were also leaders within PH that were disappointed after their names were not nominated as candidates.
However, the situation was not pressing as many of them decided to contain their feelings to ensure a win for PH.
"When you choose the candidates, there are some that will be disappointed. They will actually forget their disappointment and continue to support (PH)," he said.
Mahathir added the party leadership would also engage with those who were not nominated and explain the situation.
"Our people are much more dedicated. Some people for example joined Umno in order to get money," he said.