Khairy Jamaluddin has submitted an appeal to rejoin Umno, three years after the party expelled the former minister.
The application was submitted last night to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who had axed Khairy amid an attempt to challenge him for control of the party in early 2023.
Zahid announced the reconciliatory move in a social media post today, with the party chief seen beaming in photos.
He said Khairy’s appeal exemplified the “Rumah Bangsa” initiative, which sought to form a big umbrella for Malay-Muslim politicians.
He added that Rumah Bangsa committee chairperson Khaled Nordin would be evaluating the former Rembau MP’s application to rejoin Umno.
"On the blessed night of the 26th of Ramadan yesterday, I received a visit from Khairy, who came to submit his letter of appeal to return to Umno.
"This is among the true meanings of Rumah Bangsa - an effort to reunite those who were once separated, to bring closer those who had drifted apart, and to gather us once again as one large family in our shared struggle," said Zahid, who is deputy prime minister.
Separately, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed that former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein had submitted an appeal to lift his six-year suspension from the party, which was supposed to last until 2029.
According to him, Hishammuddin and Khairy were among many former leaders who have made great contributions and are applying to rejoin Umno.
"May Allah bless Umno as the Rumah Bangsa to continue fighting for Islam, Malay and the country," Asyraf said on Facebook.
Restoring Malay political unity
Umno sacked Khairy, a former health minister, in January 2023, and suspended Hishammuddin from the party, alongside former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan.
During Umno’s annual general assembly in January this year, Zahid announced the formation of a new party committee dubbed the "Rumah Bangsa Unification Committee" to restore Malay political unity.
He said this includes opening the door for individuals or groups that previously left the party to return.
The Bagan Datuk MP said the committee would facilitate the re-entry of certain parties, either individually or "en bloc", in line with the aspiration to position Umno as the "big home of the Malays".
"The idea of a ‘big umbrella’ for the Malays has been attempted without Umno before. But history has proven it did not receive support.
"That umbrella collapsed because it was not anchored to its original home. Why rely on an umbrella when the house already stands tall and beautiful?" he asked.
Zahid noted that various Malay parties and movements emerged from Umno, including PAS, Semangat 46, PKR, Bersatu, Pejuang, Warisan, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, and even Gabungan Parti Sarawak with the same national spirit.
In a further reflection, Zahid insisted that Umno is the original home of Malay politics, from which the nation’s independence, Federal Constitution, as well as the principle of upholding Islam and the Malay rulers had emerged.
‘Old and only house’
Khairy, in a Facebook post, expressed his appreciation to Zahid for accepting him back into his "old and only house".
The politician-turned-radio announcer said his application to return to Umno is unconditional, and he is ready to serve merely as a crew member in the “bahtera bangsa” (ark of the nation).
"At a time when the nation’s politics is facing uncertainty and stormy seas, it is crucial that Umno, as the vessel of the nation’s struggle, which was established to unite the Malays and develop the country for all Malaysians, be strengthened.
"I am not asking to return to this national vessel with any conditions, personal ambitions or requests. It is enough for me to be given the opportunity to serve as an ordinary crew member.
"If there are loose planks, I will help tighten them. If there are nails that need hammering, I will help hammer them. If there are hatches that must be firmly shut to prevent water from entering, I will ensure they are securely closed," he added.
Khairy expressed his readiness to serve Umno in whatever capacity to ensure it can continue to sail and carry the dream of uniting the Malays.
"InsyaAllah, I'm coming home," he said. - Mkini
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