Show remorse, Zahid tells those eyeing return to Umno

Show remorse, Zahid tells those eyeing return to Umno

PETALING JAYA: Sacked or suspended Umno members who wish to return to the party’s fold must first show remorse and commitment to the party’s cause, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said the party must also exercise discretion and prudence when dealing with those who criticised the party or left in a controversial manner, Berita Harian reported.

“We need to be sensible in our approach, otherwise it would be impossible for members who have been suspended or sacked to return to Umno,” he was quoted as saying.

Speaking at the Lumut division’s general meeting, Zahid cited the example of a former Kedah Umno leader who had been vocal in his criticisms of the party’s leadership, but who now wanted to rejoin Umno.

While he did not name the person, Zahid said the member was a division leader and a successful entrepreneur.

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Zahid also singled out former Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman who he said had been consistent in efforts to rejoin Umno following his suspension.

Tajuddin was given a six-year suspension from Umno in September 2022, after openly criticising Zahid’s leadership. It was however lifted in November 2024 after apologising to Zahid and persistently appealing his case.

“I’m not cruel,” Zahid said.

Zahid’s comments come a day after Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said those who had been suspended or sacked must set aside their egos if they truly cared about the party.

Akmal also said that he was open to facilitating the return of suspended and sacked Umno leaders such as Khairy Jamaluddin, Hishammuddin Hussein and Shahril Hamdan.

Earlier today, Khairy, who was sacked from Umno in January 2023 over alleged disciplinary breaches, said he would consider Akmal’s offer.