KUALA LUMPUR: Umno should not fear new political cooperation with other parties, but should focus its efforts on strengthening Malay unity, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Umno vice-president said that it would be hard for the party to help the people if it has little representation in the government.
"This is future politics. We do not need to be afraid of anyone.
Why should we fear DAP? If we were never afraid of Gerakan, MCA or any non-Malay based parties, why should we be afraid of them?
"What we should fear is when the Malays cannot unite," he said in his winding up speech at the Umno general assembly here on Saturday (Jan 17).
He also supported the party president's call to allow former leaders to join back the party.
"That is why I support the idea to open Umno's door wide open.
"If they don’t want to join, that’s fine. We are not forcing anyone. If they don’t want to enter, they can stay outside," he said.
On Friday (Jan 17), Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidid said a committee will be set up to welcome and facilitate the return of former party leaders to the party.
The Umno president said the Jawatankuasa Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa would serve as a platform to reunite with those who had strayed from the party, adding that the party must remain open, inclusive and rooted in its original struggle.
"To this end, the doors of Rumah Bangsa will always be wide open. This is where we were born and raised, and where we learned the true meaning of struggle.
"To welcome the return of our brothers and sisters, our siblings and family members, the committee will facilitate the re-entry or participation of anyone, whether individual or group, into Rumah Bangsa," said Ahmad Zahid.
