PETALING JAYA: More political leaders, including those from opposition parties, are seeking to join or rejoin Umno, says its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, signalling renewed interest in the party.
Ahmad Zahid said many individuals had approached him privately about joining Umno.
“Many have met me, including those from the opposition, but to save face, I do not need to mention their names here.
“We welcome all parties without conditions,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of a supermarket here yesterday.
He said that those interested could join Umno through its “Rumah Bangsa” platform.
Ahmad Zahid revealed that a total of 6,252 people, comprising former members and new applicants, have expressed interest in joining or rejoining the party – a development he described as encouraging.
“Aside from big names like Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Khairy Jamaluddin, I expect more to join.
“They have met me informally, and we have simplified the application process by requiring only a letter stating their intention, after which approval is granted,” he said.
He added that the party’s supreme council had empowered the Rumah Bangsa committee, chaired by Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, to approve applications immediately without needing further referral.
“For new applicants, we have also introduced an online application system, and digital membership cards will be issued almost immediately,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the streamlined process marked a shift from the party’s previous conventional method, which required applications to go through multiple levels, from branch to division, state and headquarters.
“That process was not favoured by young people. This is a game-changer; they can now apply online directly to headquarters. That is why we are seeing a positive response,” he added.
