BAGAN DATUK: Umno will consider applications from lawmakers and leaders of Bersatu who have been expelled or suspended should they seek to join the party through the Rumah Bangsa initiative, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said the party is open to accepting any individuals, particularly among the Malays.
"If there are applications, we will consider them. We are open because as a political party that upholds the concept of Rumah Bangsa, we have an open policy," Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said.
He was speaking at a press conference after launching the 2026 National-Level MARA Prihatin programme at Sultan Azlan Shah Maritime Polytechnic here Saturday (May 9).
Ahmad Zahid was commenting on a statement by Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who welcomed Bersatu lawmakers and leaders suspended or expelled from the party to join Umno through the Rumah Bangsa initiative.
On Friday (May 8), Bersatu's Disciplinary Board expelled and suspended several lawmakers and party leaders with immediate effect.
Those expelled were Suka Menanti assemblyman and Alor Setar Bersatu chief Dzowahir Ab Ghani, Sungai Tiang assemblyman Abdul Razak Khamis, and Hulu Langat division chief Muhammad Faiz Rahmad.
Five MPs were also suspended from their membership rights for two party election terms, namely Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah), Datuk Abdul Khalib Abdullah (Rompin), Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Lumut), and Datuk Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu). - Bernama
