UMNO AGM | Umno is extending an olive branch to former party leaders, either suspended or sacked, to return to the fold.
At a briefing session during the party’s annual general assembly this afternoon, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi invited those wishing to return to attend the AGM as observers.
Citing former Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as an example, Zahid described the former as a loyal party member despite being previously expelled from the party.
"The president has signalled that the party is opening its doors to those who have previously been sacked or suspended to return to Umno.
“The president said he is not tyrannical, and has even invited them to attend the AGM as observers. Zahid’s gesture is aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 16th general election," a source told Malaysiakini.
Zahid’s latest gesture is in line with his stand mentioned during the party’s AGM in 2023, where the deputy prime minister had stated that he was open to readmitting former members into the party.
On Oct 30 last year, the media reported that former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin might return to Umno, with his re-entry receiving the “blessings” of top leadership, including Zahid.
However, Zahid refused to confirm the matter, stating that Umno had yet to discuss it.
At a press conference later, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh confirmed that his predecessor, Khairy, would be attending the Umno Youth conference tomorrow.
“Apart from the president and (Umno secretary-general) Asyraf Wajdi (Dusuki), (former Umno supreme council member) Nazri Aziz and Khairy will attend Umno Youth conference tomorrow,” the Merlimau assemblyperson said.
Malacca, Johor polls
On another matter, Umno supreme council member Ahmad Said stated that the president's briefing also touched on the importance of Umno and BN to be prepared ahead of the 16th general election.
According to the former Terengganu menteri besar, securing a resounding victory in the upcoming Johor and Malacca state elections is vital as it could give BN a strong momentum ahead of the national polls.
“We are gearing up for GE16, but the closest are Malacca and Johor (state elections).
“And we hope that this time, BN's performance will improve further in both states,” he told reporters after attending Zahid’s briefing.
Beyond election preparations, Ahmad said Zahid also stressed the need to strengthen party solidarity and ensure Umno remains stable as the country faces political uncertainty.
Umno supreme council member Sharkar Shamsudin said Zahid would further deliberate on several current issues involving the party, including a proposal to revive Muafakat Nasional.
“Other matters include those related to the Youth convention, the Sabah elections, and so forth,” he said briefly.
Wanita Umno executive council member Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid said the party president has provided space for the party wings, particularly Youth and Young Women, to submit views and motions regarding Umno’s direction ahead of GE16.
“We expect a better sense of direction to be put forward by the delegates, especially from our younger leaders, as I believe they have proposals on how they want to take the party forward,” she said. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.