Umno’s doors open to ex-members with no conditions, says Zahid

2026-03-06 - 03:33

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Rumah Bangsa task force will coordinate the party re-entry process for returning members. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the party’s doors are “unconditionally” open to former members, and that “all past mistakes and differences will be forgiven” in the spirit of Ramadan. Zahid said Umno viewed Ramadan, a month that “invites Muslims to reflect, mend relationships and strengthen brotherhood”, as the best opportunity to rebuild the party’s bonds. “In this spirit, the doors of Umno’s Rumah Bangsa are open wide to all former members who were either sacked or suspended to return, as well as to any individuals who wish to join Umno in its struggle,” he said in a statement today. 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. On Feb 10, Zahid said the party remained open to welcoming back former members, including now former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin. He said the Rumah Bangsa initiative provided an open platform for anyone wishing to return to or join Umno, whether individually or as part of a group. Umno suffered a slew of defections to Bersatu after Barisan Nasional’s fall from power in 2018. On Tuesday, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin also accused Hamzah of holding covert talks with Zahid to form a new political configuration that would see Hamzah appointed deputy prime minister while another leader held the top post. Muhyiddin said Hamzah’s alleged role in moves to destabilise and divide Bersatu was the main reason for the opposition leader’s sacking from the party on Feb 13. However, Hamzah defended his actions, saying he was free to meet anyone as opposition leader and that Muhyiddin’s accusations were baseless and an excuse to sack him.