Umno says former members can rejoin the party by submitting a written request, as leaders signal openness to returning members including expelled figures.
PETALING JAYA: A letter expressing intention to return is all that is required for former members to rejoin Umno, said party vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Mohamed Khaled, who chairs Umno’s Rumah Bangsa Committee, said the party remains open to receiving applications from former members.
“Umno has clarified that anyone wishing to return to the party may submit an application to do so, provided they formally notify the party in writing of their intention to rejoin,” he told theSun.
He was asked to comment on a statement made on Friday by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the party is opening its doors to former members who were expelled or suspended, as well as individuals wishing to help fight for Umno’s cause.
Ahmad Zahid said in the spirit of Ramadan, a period associated with mercy and forgiveness, past differences and mistakes would be set aside to begin a new chapter in strengthening Umno’s extended political family.
“May Allah ease this effort and may it become a point of unity that strengthens the party as it continues its struggle for religion, race and the nation, while ensuring a better future for the public and country.”
Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh said the invitation is not limited to former party leaders.
“There is room for everyone,“ he replied briefly to a question from theSun.
He was asked whether Ahmad Zahid’s statement meant that ex-Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, as well as former party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein would be welcome back to the fold.
However, Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam said the invitation does not guarantee Khairy and Hishammuddin’s return.
“I don’t think so. It must be understood that when the party president said ‘without conditions’, it does not mean the party will accept them unconditionally. Rather, those applying to return must do so sincerely and without imposing any conditions, such as requesting positions or demanding to be made election candidates.”
Khairy, who made a surprise return to the Umno Youth Annual General Assembly in January this year, had on Friday hinted at a comeback to the party since his sacking in January 2023 for breaching party discipline.
In a video from the Keluar Sekejap podcast, which he hosts with fellow former Umno leader Shahril Hamdan, Khairy said he had long expressed his intention to rejoin Umno.
“The statement has already been made by (Umno president) Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This is also related to our own personal stance.
“Perhaps, Shahril (you have) your own position and I have mine. But when such an invitation is extended, I have long said that I wish to return to Umno.
“I see this as a positive development and a sincere opportunity for me personally,” Khairy said during the podcast.
However, Hishammuddin, who was suspended for six years by Umno in January 2023, said he would not appeal his suspension.
Ahmad Zahid mooted the Umno Rumah Bangsa initiative during the last party general assembly as part of efforts to restore Malay political unity.
The Sun Malaysia
