JOHOR UMNO WELCOMES MOVE TO REINSTATE SUSPENDED, EXPELLED MEMBERS

JOHOR BAHRU, March 14 (Bernama) -- Johor UMNO has welcomed the proposal by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to readmit members who were previously suspended or expelled.

Johor UMNO chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state-level leadership is open to any individuals, especially from Johor, who express the desire to rejoin UMNO.

“To those from Johor who have indicated their intention to return to UMNO, we at the state level receive this positively. However, the final decision will be made by the party’s Supreme Council through the Rumah Bangsa mechanism,” he told reporters after chairing the Johor UMNO Liaison Body meeting here today.

Also present were UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Johor UMNO deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan and UMNO information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

On preparations for the state election, Onn Hafiz said various factors are being considered, but the main focus at present is on assisting the people, who are facing multiple challenges.

“We are aware that the people are facing difficulties and there are various issues that need to be resolved. Therefore, no decision has been made yet on when it should be held or other details,” he said.

Last Thursday, former UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, in a two-minute-and-42-second video on Facebook, expressed his willingness to return to active participation in the party if his membership suspension is lifted by the leadership.

The Sembrong MP described the UMNO president’s statement, which opens the door for suspended, expelled, or former members to be readmitted unconditionally, as a very meaningful recognition.

-- BERNAMA