Former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein has called on the party leadership to withdraw his six-year suspension if they are genuine about bringing former members back. In a video posted on Facebook, the Sembrong MP emphasized that returning to the party would not be a difficult transition for him because he never actually resigned or left the organization.
The former minister was responding to recent statements made by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding the party’s willingness to reopen its doors. Hishammuddin noted that while he appreciates the sentiment, his situation is unique because he remains a member who is currently barred from active participation due to a previous Supreme Council decision.
Sincerity in leadership decisions
Hishammuddin expressed gratitude for the president’s remarks about unconditionally accepting those who were sacked, suspended, or had previously left. However, he pointed out that his status as a suspended member is the primary hurdle. He stated that if the top leadership is truly sincere in their stance, they should simply revoke the suspension order.
According to the Sembrong MP, he is prepared to resume his political struggle within Umno immediately once the party formally clears his status. His comments come after Zahid announced last Friday that the party’s doors are open to all former members in the spirit of Ramadan, promising that past mistakes and differences would be forgiven.
Re-entry process and party history
The party has established a task force led by vice-president Khaled Nordin to manage the re-entry of former members under an initiative called Rumah Bangsa. This move aims to consolidate the party’s strength by bringing back those who fell out with the leadership in recent years.
Hishammuddin was handed a six-year suspension in January 2023 alongside former information chief Shahril Hamdan. During the same period, former youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin was sacked from the party. While none of the individuals filed a formal appeal at the time, Khairy has also recently indicated an interest in the president’s offer to return to the party fold.
