Zahid’s offer may be bid to lure Hamzah back to Umno, says KJ

 The ex-Umno Youth chief says the move could be a tactical response after Hamzah Zainudin was linked to plans to form or lead a new party.

Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Umno appears to be opening the door for Hamzah Zainudin to return rather than him forming another party.

PETALING JAYA:

 Umno’s decision to open its doors wide to former leaders could be a tactical move aimed at bringing back Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin, who was expelled from Bersatu last month.

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the offer made by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was not only directed at those who had been expelled or suspended but could extend across political parties.

“This opens the door for Hamzah to return to Umno and could be a tactical move by Zahid after hearing that Hamzah intends to form a new party.

“On Thursday, there was also a discussion on issues related to Malays and Bumiputeras attended by Umno, PKR, PAS and Amanah,” he said in the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast.

He described the move as part of Umno’s efforts to unite Malay-based parties and explore the possibility of a broader political collaboration.

Yesterday, Zahid said the party’s doors were “unconditionally” open to former members, and that “all past mistakes and differences will be forgiven” in the spirit of Ramadan.

He said the Rumah Bangsa task force, chaired by party vice-president Khaled Nordin, would coordinate the re-entry process for former members wishing to return.

The offer comes after Hamzah was sacked from Bersatu on Feb 13 following a leadership tussle with party president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Hamzah was among several MPs who defected to Bersatu after Barisan Nasional’s fall from power in 2018.

However, he has confirmed holding discussions on taking over Parti Keluarga Malaysia. The party’s founder, Khairi Jaya, had earlier said the takeover was “90% confirmed”.

Meanwhile, former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said the move to accept former leaders showed the party’s tactical strength, although its long-term strategy remained uncertain.

He said Umno was capitalising on divisions within rival parties, particularly Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional, while avoiding comments on the controversy involving Azam Baki, chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

“Umno stays silent, then seizes the chance to craft a new narrative, separating itself from the confusion.

“Perhaps this is how Umno can increase its seats, whether as part of the government or by leading it,” Shahril said. - FMT