UMNO Negeri Sembilan liaison board chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias stated that the party’s willingness to accept back former leaders and members of the party who had been dismissed before is not a new thing but is a normal process under the constitution and existing rules.
He emphasised that anyone wishing to return to the party can do so according to the rules outlined in the party’s constitution, with the decision being made at the Supreme Working Council (MKT) level.
However, he added that the call for the former members to join the party is not intended for the former top-level party member fired last year Datuk Isham Jalil.
“This is not for Isham Jalil… this is for those who feel that they are ready to return to the fold of UMNO and they can apply and MKT will decide, that’s all.
“And this is a normal process, open to any new or former UMNO members… this is open and this is not a new thing but this is something we usually do,” he told the party organ.
Meanwhile, it is interesting to ponder the implications this has for the party and the unity government.
For some, it is a strategic manoeuvre by the party since the members suspended, removed or fired still command considerable support among voters.
Notable figures like former UMNO Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former communication minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa fall into this category.
By bringing them back, UMNO can regain the confidence of its former supporters who backed these leaders. If Khairy is to be absorbed back into the party and Hishamuddin’s suspension lifted, the party may regain some of its strength.
UMNO’s decision aims at stabilising the party and strengthening the unity government. Reintegrating loyal former members can outweigh potential internal conflicts and enhance trust among UMNO supporters.
For more context, it’s worth noting that UMNO has a longstanding policy of accepting anyone who fully embraces its philosophy, vision, and mission, even those previously expelled. Thus, it will not be surprising at all if the party brings the former members back to the fold. – June 1, 2024
