KUALA LUMPUR, February 7 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has made it clear that those who have temporarily left the party should not expect a warm welcome back. Without naming anyone, he stated that his focus is on strengthening Umno, which has been weakened by factionalism. “Those who left, please do so for good.
Those who ‘keluar sekejap’ (briefly left), it’s fine even if you stay out forever,” Zahid said in a Buletin TV3 podcast, emphasizing the need for loyalty among members. His remarks appeared to be a shift from his previous stance in November 2023, when he signaled openness to the return of expelled or suspended members, including former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan.
While Zahid confirmed the reinstatement of former Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, he suggested that others who had departed should not expect the same treatment. Khairy, despite his expulsion in January 2023, has maintained his allegiance to Umno but acknowledged receiving offers from other political parties.
