AHMAD ZAHID RECEIVES KHAIRY'S APPEAL LETTTER TO RETURN TO UMNO

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that he had received a letter of appeal from former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to rejoin the party.

Ahmad Zahid said the application was received from Khairy, the former Rembau Member of Parliament who submitted a letter of appeal personally to rejoin UMNO, yesterday.

"God willing, I have personally received this application and it will be extended to the Rumah Bangsa Unification Committee chaired by Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (UMNO vice president) to be deliberated and approved accordingly," he said in a Facebook post.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said in line with the true meaning of Rumah Bangsa, it is an effort to rediscover those who were separated and bring together those who were once distant and reunite them in one big family of struggle.

“In the course of this struggle, as I often say, disputes between friends are temporary and they will eventually reconcile. What is more important is to find a way to unite, not to let division continue to separate us.

“Hopefully, Rumah Bangsa will be the basis for us to reunite hearts that were once separated, strengthen the ranks of the struggle, and restore UMNO’s strength as the political leader of the Malays and Muslims in this country,” he said.

On March 6, Ahmad Zahid said UMNO had opened its doors wide to any former members who had been sacked, suspended from membership, and individuals who wanted to join the party’s struggle.

According to Ahmad Zahid, in the spirit of Ramadan, which is full of grace and forgiveness, all past mistakes and differences were completely forgiven to open a new chapter in efforts to strengthen the UMNO family.

Khairy, who is also the former Minister of Health, was sacked from the party on January 23 2023 due to breach of party discipline in accordance with UMNO’s Constitution after the 15th general election (GE15).

Previously, he had also openly criticised UMNO by claiming that the party had strayed from its original direction, as well as loudly criticising the party leadership and urging internal reforms including UMNO's top leadership after GE15.

Apart from having contested the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat in GE15 on a Barisan Nasional ticket, he had also contested the UMNO presidency in the 2018 party election.

Meanwhile, Khairy in a Facebook post said that in the spirit of Rumah Bangsa, he had officially requested that his dismissal from UMNO be revoked and his original membership number be reactivated.

He also expressed gratitude in this holy month for the opportunity given to him to return to continue his service in the struggle for the sake of religion, race and country.

At the same time, Khairy appreciated Ahmad Zahid's openness and generosity in opening up space to step forward to strengthen the party's struggle.

"Thank you to UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who received my visit in the spirit of Rumah Bangsa in this holy month of Ramadan.

"The President was magnanimous in accepting me back to my old home, the only home I have known.

"I hope the UMNO President, the UMNO Supreme Council and the Rumah Bangsa Committee can consider my wishes accordingly," he said.

Khairy said that at a time when the country's politics are facing uncertainty and the sea is rough, it is very important that the UMNO ship, which was established to unite the Malays and develop the country for all Malaysians, is strengthened.

"I am not asking to return to this ship of the nation with any conditions, personal wishes or demands. It is enough for me to be given the opportunity to be an ordinary crew member.

"If there is a loose plank, I will help tighten it. If there is a nail that needs to be hammered, I will help hammer it in. If there is a hatch that needs to be closed tightly so that water does not enter, I will make sure it is locked tightly.

"What is important is that this ship of the nation continues to sail through the waves and storms of the times, carrying with it a great hope: the unification of a united, strong and dignified nation. Insya-Allah, I'm coming home," he said.

-- BERNAMA