KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno has extended an olive branch to former members as well as sacked or suspended leaders who wish to return.
Its chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the party was large enough to accommodate everyone, and it was best to put egos and pride aside for the sake of Sabahans.
"For those who have left, we welcome them if they wish to return," he said after hosting a breaking of fast event here on Thursday (March 12).
However, he said this return must be a two-sided initiative, and those wishing to come back must submit applications to rejoin the party in accordance with procedures.
Jafry said that as long as these former members express their intentions and identify themselves as supporters of Umno and also Barisan Nasional, there should not be any issues in accepting them back.
He said a committee has also been formed to determine the readmission of members, chaired by party vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who will make the final decision.
He assured that with Umno being part of the government and a stable political situation, there was no need for disputes or conflicts.
"What matters most is for us to unite and strengthen our party, because it is important for us to move forward as a solid front and to achieve our objectives to fight for the bumiputra and non-bumiputra in Sabah," Jafry added.
"Sabah Umno must become a true leader that works for all, because Sabah is a state for everyone," he said.
