KUALA LUMPUR – Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has called on Bersatu members and leaders to return to the party, saying it remains open to those who wish to come back in the interest of strengthening Malay unity.
As chairman of the Penyatuan Rumah Bangsa Committee, Khaled said there is no need to form another new political platform.
“Return to Umno. I hope the Malays can reunite under one platform, as continued division does not serve Malay interests.
“We need to unite under a single platform to fight for Malay interests and ensure that the Malays remain strong in facing various challenges,” he told reporters after presenting Back-to-School Assistance for the Pasir Gudang parliamentary constituency today, reported Bernama.
Khaled, who is also defence minister, said calls for an early general or state election must ultimately be decided by party leadership after weighing all considerations.
He also described the ongoing internal crisis in Bersatu as a sign of weakness within the party, which was formed after breaking away from Umno. The situation, he said, has affected the stability of Perikatan Nasional and could erode public confidence.
“It appears to revolve more around a struggle for positions than efforts to address the needs and challenges faced by the people,” he added.
Recently, Bersatu expelled 17 members, including Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and several Supreme Leadership Council members, four MPs and two assemblymen, for breaching Clause 9.1.4 of its constitution. Those affected have 14 days to appeal.
Separately, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan was reported as saying that any application by Bersatu members seeking to rejoin Umno must first be referred to the party’s top leadership council before a decision is made.– February 21, 2026