Applications from former UMNO leaders and members seeking to rejoin the party will be decided at the UMNO Supreme Council (MKT) meeting in Melaka on Friday. The move is seen as part of the party’s broader effort to strengthen unity and rebuild its base.
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the decision will involve individuals who were previously expelled or suspended and are now hoping to return under the Rumah Bangsa initiative. He expressed personal confidence that the applications would be well received.
He revealed that discussions on the matter have already been held twice under the leadership of Rumah Bangsa Unity Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. The applications are set to be tabled at the MKT meeting scheduled for Friday night.
Ahmad added that there is no deadline for submissions, but decisions will be made for the first batch of applicants during the upcoming meeting. He voiced full support for all applications and encouraged those who have yet to apply to do so through a simple written submission with basic personal details for administrative purposes.
He made these remarks during a site visit to inspect infrastructure maintenance and development projects in Johor Bahru on Thursday. Ahmad, who is also UMNO Johor deputy chairman, emphasised that Rumah Bangsa is not limited to former leaders but is open to all, including young people.
He stressed that UMNO remains inclusive and continues to welcome new and returning members, especially ahead of the party’s anniversary on May 11. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to revitalise the party and broaden its appeal across different segments of society.
Previously, several prominent figures including Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, former UMNO information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, Jempol division chief Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Sharif, and former Tebrau division chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang were suspended for six years.
Meanwhile, former Selangor UMNO chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar and Khairy Jamaluddin were expelled following disciplinary breaches during the 15th General Election (GE15). The decisions on suspensions and expulsions were made by the UMNO Supreme Council on January 27, 2023.
Hishammuddin and Khairy are among those who have since submitted applications to rejoin the party, with their fate now pending the outcome of the upcoming MKT meeting.
