Former UMNO Supreme Council member, Isham Jalil, has turned down an invitation from Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for former members who were suspended or expelled to return to the party under the new “Rumah Bangsa” framework.
Isham, who was expelled in 2023, said he is not interested, citing that Rumah Bangsa remains tied to the Kerajaan Madani structure, which he claims maintains close cooperation with DAP. He also criticised UMNO leaders for staying in the Unity Government while keeping their positions.
“I don’t see Malay parties following their invitation to join Rumah Bangsa as long as they continue supporting DAP in government — it doesn’t make sense. ‘You can’t have it all nor have the cake and eat it too,’” Isham said in a Facebook post on Friday.
He warned that the UMNO-DAP coalition, dubbed “UMDAP,” could face heavy losses in upcoming elections and that UMNO’s credibility has been compromised by prioritising positions over principles. “UMNO cannot expect voters to trust them again simply by changing course for election season. Who can guarantee they won’t support Anwar and DAP again afterward?” he added.
Earlier, UMNO opened its doors to former members who were expelled or suspended, as part of efforts to strengthen party unity. Ahmad Zahid, in a Ramadan message, urged forgiveness and reconciliation, aiming to start afresh for the party’s greater cohesion. The process will be coordinated by UMNO Vice President Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin through appropriate party procedures.
Isham also urged Ahmad Zahid to apologise personally to former members he had previously suspended or expelled, including Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, and Shahril Sufian Hamdan, before inviting them back.
“I’ve made it clear: as long as he cooperates with DAP, I will not rejoin UMDAP. There’s no need to ask me again; my answer remains the same,” he emphasised.
