PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has shut the door on a return to Umno despite the party's recent offer of unconditional readmission for former members.
Speaking at a buka puasa event he hosted here on Monday (March 9), the Opposition leader and Larut MP said he had no intention of rejoining Umno but remained open to collaborating with the party to drive a "reset" agenda.
"There is no need to rejoin," Hamzah told reporters when asked about Umno's open-door policy.
However, he adopted a conciliatory tone on inter-party cooperation.
He said the presence of various political leaders at the event was testament to the need to strengthen ties across the political divide.
"When I speak of strengthening ties, I am not excluding any party, including Umno.
"What is important is for everyone to agree to 'reset' what is happening in our country.
"If we need correction, we need strength. Therefore, Umno should certainly be one of the members in this struggle," he said.
Hamzah described the "reset" agenda as a clean slate to propel Malaysia onto the global stage.
He drew comparison with Singapore, questioning why Malaysia, with its larger landmass and resources, could not achieve similar global standing.
Others at the event included MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau, MIPP president Punithan Paramsiven, Berjasa president Zamani Ibrahim and Parti Keluarga Malaysia founder Khairi Jaya.
Also seen were Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, PAS' Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin and Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently announced the 'Rumah Bangsa' initiative, where the party invited former members to return to the party fold without conditions.
