Umno will fairly evaluate the role of leaders who rejoin the party following their previous expulsions, including their potential to contest in the 16th General Election (GE16).
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that candidacy will be strictly determined by a candidate’s winnability in their respective constituencies.
He noted that while an empirical assessment of the impact regarding the return of these leaders has not yet been conducted, the party remains committed to being fair to those demonstrating a desire to contribute to the organization.
The Barisan Nasional chairman emphasized that the opportunity to represent the party in the next national polls would depend heavily on electability at both the parliamentary and state levels.
Success of the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative
The return of these figures is facilitated by the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative, a reunification programme introduced by Ahmad Zahid to unite the Malay community and welcome former members back into the fold.
According to a report from Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki on April 18, a total of 6,252 former leaders and members have been readmitted.
This group includes high-profile names such as former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, and former foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar.
The initiative, which was first announced during the Umno General Assembly last year, provides an open platform for membership registration through simplified online procedures, removing previous bureaucratic hurdles for those wishing to return.
Umno as the core of Malay-Muslim politics
When asked if this reunification effort suggested that Umno was struggling to remain a unifying force, the deputy prime minister asserted that the party’s core struggle remains the central pillar of the Malay-Muslim political landscape in the country.
He pointed out that the leadership of many existing Malay-Muslim parties originally came from Umno, describing current rival parties as splinters of the original organization.
He argued that there is no need for conflict over which party is more Malay or more Islamic, as the primary focus should remain on engaging and assisting the people.
Ahmad Zahid called for a more rational and broader perspective on the national agenda, particularly concerning education and the economy.
He suggested that leaders should move beyond narrow party interests to address the needs of the country more effectively.
Resolution of MIC and Barisan Nasional ties
Addressing the status of the relationship between MIC and Barisan Nasional, Ahmad Zahid reiterated that the component party remains firmly with the coalition.
He stated that any issues regarding their position have already been resolved.
The president’s comments underscore a strategy of internal consolidation and pragmatism as the party prepares for the challenges of the next general election.
By focusing on winnability and reunification, Umno aims to strengthen its position within the current political climate.
