UMNO vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin has called on Bersatu members and leaders to return to the party, saying UMNO’s doors remain open in the interest of strengthening Malay unity.
He said reunification under one established political platform would be more constructive than forming another new party, which could further fragment Malay representation.
“Come back to UMNO. I hope Malays can unite under a single platform because prolonged division does not benefit Malay interests,” he told reporters after attending a community programme here.
Mohamed Khaled, who also chairs UMNO’s Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa Committee, stressed that unity is essential to safeguard Malay interests and ensure resilience in facing future political and socio-economic challenges. He added that political consolidation would provide clearer direction and stability for the community.
Commenting on recent developments within Bersatu, he described the party’s internal turmoil as evidence of the fragility of the UMNO splinter group. According to him, the crisis has had wider implications, including raising doubts about the stability of the opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional.
He said the situation creates a perception that political manoeuvring for positions has taken precedence over addressing rakyat concerns, an image that could erode public confidence.
On speculation surrounding the timing of a possible election, Mohamed Khaled noted that while some view the current situation as suitable for polls, the ultimate decision rests with party leadership after considering all relevant factors.
Bersatu recently expelled 17 members, among them several Supreme Leadership Council members, four Members of Parliament and two state assemblymen, for breaching the party constitution. Those affected have been given 14 days to file an appeal.
Meanwhile, UMNO Supreme Council member Ahmad Maslan said applications from Bersatu members seeking to rejoin UMNO must first be referred to the party’s Supreme Council for deliberation.
