Let’s forgive and forget: Umno open to return of former leaders, says Dr Ahmad Maslan (Video)

KUCHING (March 17): Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said Umno is adopting a forgive-and-forget attitude towards former members who wish to rejoin its ranks.

A member of the Umno’s Rumah Bangsa committee, he said these potential returnees include those who were disciplined or had left the party previously as part of efforts to strengthen it.

He also confirmed that such individuals, including those in Sabah, are welcome to return, particularly in view of the upcoming general election.

“We are open to welcoming back those who were previously suspended or expelled, as well as those who voluntarily left, and anyone keen to join the struggle of Umno in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah,” he said when asked during a press conference on his take of former Umno Youth Chief and former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar applying to rejoin the party.

The press conference was held after a dialogue session with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the Public Works Department Malaysia (JKR), prior to a breaking of fast programme here on Tuesday.

Ahmad noted that although Umno does not currently have a presence in Sarawak, the party remains committed to strengthening its network in key areas outside the state.

“Umno is not just a party during election periods; it is a party that fights consistently, and we want prominent figures to return to bolster our ranks,” he explained.

He added that further announcements regarding returning members would be made periodically, describing the move as part of a strategic effort to consolidate party strength and ensure readiness for the next general election.

In a news report on Monday, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that Khairy had applied to return to Umno during a meeting between the two leaders.

Ahmad Zahid said the application will be forwarded to the Rumah Bangsa committee, chaired by Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin, for further action.

Khairy was sacked from Umno in January 2023 for breaching party discipline during the 2022 general election (GE15).

The purge also saw other leaders, including Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, and former Tebrau Umno chief Maulizan Bujang, suspended for six years, according to FMT.

Despite offers to join other parties in 2024, Khairy declined to switch allegiance, maintaining that he still considered himself a Umno member.

Earlier this month, Khairy expressed his interest in returning to Umno after Ahmad Zahid announced that the party was opening its doors to former members who were sacked or suspended, signaling a move to consolidate leadership and strengthen party unity ahead of the next general election.