More Big Names Expected To Return To UMNO Under Rumah Bangsa Initiative -- Ahmad Zahid

SHAH ALAM, April 19 (Bernama) -- More prominent figures, including those currently aligned with opposition parties, are expected to rejoin UMNO through the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative, said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said a total of 6,252 individuals have so far submitted applications to return to the party or join as new members, describing the response as highly encouraging.

“Many former UMNO members who are now with opposition parties have met me informally. To save face, I will not mention their names, but we welcome all without conditions to return to UMNO through Rumah Bangsa.

“We have simplified the application process...just submit a letter expressing the intention to join, and approval will be given immediately,” he said after officiating the Rissmart Grocer supermarket today.

Ahmad Zahid added that the UMNO Supreme Council has agreed to streamline the process further by removing the need to refer applications to the Rumah Bangsa committee.

Instead, approval authority will now be delegated to a committee chaired by vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, he said.

He said the move is aimed at expediting applications and attracting broader participation, especially among young members, including through the introduction of online registration and digital membership cards.

“Previously, applications had to go through multiple levels, from branch to division, state and headquarters, which did not appeal to the young generation.

“This is a game-changer. Applications can now be made directly online to headquarters, and that is why we are seeing a positive response,” he said.

Last Friday, it was reported that several prominent figures, including former UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former foreign minister Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar, have been unconditionally accepted back into the party under the initiative.

UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the decision was made during a Supreme Council meeting chaired by Ahmad Zahid.

-- BERNAMA