PETALING JAYA: Former or suspended Umno members seeking reinstatement into the party must demonstrate genuine regret and dedication to the party's principles, according to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to Berita Harian, he stated that the party should also act carefully and wisely when handling individuals who have criticized the party or departed under contentious circumstances.
He said, “We must act wisely in handling this matter; otherwise, those who were previously expelled or dismissed from Umno will find it difficult to come back.”
At the Lumut branch’s annual gathering, Zahid referenced a past Kedah Umno figure known for openly criticizing the party’s top officials, yet who has recently expressed interest in returning to Umno.
Although he did not reveal who the individual was, Zahid mentioned that the party member served as a division head and had also built a successful business.
Zahid specifically mentioned former Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, noting that he had consistently worked towards returning to Umno after being suspended.
In September 2022, Tajuddin received a six-year suspension from Umno for publicly criticizing Zahid’s leadership. However, this penalty was revoked in November 2024 following an apology to Zahid and continuous appeals regarding his situation.
"I'm not being harsh," Zahid remarked.
Zahid made his remarks one day after the head of Umno Youth, Dr. Akmal Saleh, stated that individuals who have faced suspension or dismissal should put their pride aside if they genuinely value the party.
Akmal further mentioned that he would consider helping reinstated Umno figures like Khairy Jamaluddin, Hishammuddin Hussein, and Shahril Hamdan who had been previously removed from their positions.
Khairy, who had been expelled from Umno in January 2023 due to accusations of violating discipline rules, mentioned earlier today that he would think about accepting Akmal's proposal.