Umno receives over 100 applications from former leaders to rejoin

 

Umno has received more than 100 applications and appeal letters from former leaders and members seeking to rejoin the party through the Rumah Bangsa initiative. — NSTP FILE PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has received more than 100 applications and appeal letters from former leaders and members seeking to rejoin the party through the Rumah Bangsa initiative.

Among those who applied were former Youth chief and health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, former Jempol division chief Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Sharif, and former Tebrau division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang.

Sources said the party is also in talks to bring back other prominent figures, including former information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, former Selangor chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar, and political veteran Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.

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All applications will be considered at the party's supreme council meeting on April 17.

"So far, the initiative has received a positive response, with more than 100 applications submitted. Explanations continue to be provided to those unclear about Rumah Bangsa," a source said.

"Most importantly, Umno's openness to welcome back former leaders demonstrates our commitment to reunite the party. This complements the 'Kolaborasi Agung' initiative, which aims to unite all core Malay and Islamic parties, including opposition members.

"The current developments are encouraging, and we are proud that those outside Umno now want to return and strengthen the party's struggle," the source added.

Umno had led the Barisan Nasional coalition and ruled the country since independence, but the coalition lost power in 2018, ending more than six decades of dominance.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who also chairs the Rumah Bangsa unification committee, said all applications to rejoin the party, including those from members who faced action at division level, will be discussed at the supreme council meeting.

Meanwhile, former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik, who previously headed the Bersatu Melaka leadership, expressed support for the 'Kolaborasi Agung' initiative launched by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the approach is needed to restore political influence to the majority of Malays and Muslims. - NST