Ex Umno Leaders Should Return Sincerely Not By Invite Says Puad

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Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi has cautioned the party against giving preferential treatment to former leaders who were hit with disciplinary action.
This comes amid speculation that former party man Khairy Jamaluddin might be seeking to return to the fold.
Referencing online buzz over reports suggesting that figures who were expelled or suspended may be rejoining Umno, Puad (above) noted that such individuals need not wait for an “invitation” to return to the BN linchpin.
He highlighted that disciplinary actions against party members were sure to have been meted out based on “valid reasons”, usually concerning issues such as failing to adhere to party decisions.
“Hopefully, Umno will not give them any special treatment… There are no ‘two classes’ within the party.
“Let us not sacrifice party members in rural areas who follow and respect party consensus, only to give special treatment to those who have undermined it,” Puad said in a Facebook post today without naming anyone.
Khairy JamaluddinHe pointed out that certain Umno MPs previously refused to obey instructions to leave the Parliament when the party whip had made a decision.
“That is why, if they wish to return to Umno, there is no need to ‘test market’ or wait to be invited. Come on your own, with courtesy and sincerity. Umno remains open to all,” he added.
Puad is believed to be referring to a 2018 Dewan Rakyat walkout staged by Umno and PAS MPs, following protests over then-speaker Ariff Yusof’s appointment.
Khairy, who was then Umno’s Rembau MP, did not participate in the walkout.
Rumoured return
Yesterday, Khairy said he would announce his decision on his rumoured return to Umno in due course.
Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh welcomed the ex-minister and others who were also booted out of the party to return.
Last month, Berita Harian reported that Khairy may return to Umno before the Nov 29 Sabah polls.
The report stated that Khairy is also being considered as a candidate for the 16th general election in Kepala Batas, a seat previously held by the former prime minister and his father-in-law, the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Khairy, once touted as a potential Umno presidential candidate and a vocal critic of the party’s practices, was expelled on Jan 27, 2023.
The move was widely seen as a purge by party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi against potential threats within Umno. Before his removal, Khairy sought to challenge him for leadership of the party. - Mkini

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