PUTRAJAYA: Umno’s doors remain open to anyone wishing to return to the party, including Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, following former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s move to seek re-entry, says Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Zambry, who is also Higher Education Minister, welcomed Khairy’s decision, noting that the former Umno Youth chief had maintained strong ties with the party despite being sacked three years ago.
“In my view and position, we welcome the step taken by Khairy because from the beginning until now, although he faced difficulties, he has remained close to Umno.
“His spirit is the spirit of Umno,” he told reporters when met here on Monday (March 16).
When asked whether the same invitation extended to Hamzah, Zambry said the party’s doors were open to all.
“Yes, we are opening the door to everyone — anyone who wishes to return to Umno and believes this is the place to unite the Malay community and bring everyone together.
“If that spirit exists, then they are welcome,” he said.
Commenting further on Khairy’s return, Zambry said the former Rembau MP had continued attending the party’s general assemblies, reflecting his enduring ties with Umno.
Zambry also expressed appreciation to party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for opening the door for former members to return through the Rumah Bangsa concept, which aims to reunite individuals who had previously left the party.
“He does not want to keep looking backwards because that will only make it difficult to move forward,” he added.
Zambry said Khairy’s meeting with Ahmad Zahid on Sunday night demonstrated a respectful and constructive approach to resolving political differences.
“With the meeting last night, particularly Khairy coming in a very respectful manner to meet the president and express his intention, this represents a very courteous process within the context of Umno politics and Malaysian politics as well,” he said.
He added that Ahmad Zahid would bring the matter to the party’s supreme council for consideration.
Umno has also appointed Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin to chair a technical committee overseeing the process.
“I believe the process of approval will not take long because it is an idea initiated by the president himself to bring back prominent figures.
“I do not think the timeline will be an issue,” he said.
On Sunday, Zahid confirmed that Khairy had submitted an appeal letter seeking to return to Umno when the pair met, describing the move as reflecting the spirit of the Rumah Bangsa initiative to reunite those who had parted ways and regroup under a shared struggle.
