KUALA LUMPUR: While Umno has received many applications from its former members to return to the party fold, former youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has yet to make such a request, says Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
“As secretary-general, I can say that we have received many applications (from former members). Khairy has yet to submit the form,” he said.
Asyraf Wajdi, however, declined to reveal who among them had reapplied to join the party, adding that Umno welcomes all.
“As we understand from the president’s policy speech, the party is open for all,” he told reporters.
Khairy’s presence at the Umno youth meeting on Jan 15 – on the invitation of the movement and blessing from Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi – created buzz about his possible comeback.
Asked if any former Bersatu leaders will be returning to Umno, Asyraf Wajdi said: “If we look into the president’s speech, Rumah Bangsa is for all because all of them came from Umno.”
In his presidential address, Ahmad Zahid said the party will now open its doors to its former leaders and that a special committee will be set up to receive the entry or re-entry of any party.
On another matter, the secretary-general said the decision to postpone Umno polls will allow the party to focus on preparations for the 16th General Election.
“Our focus is on elections first. If we are preoccupied with party elections, all sorts of issues will arise,” he said.
