KUALA LUMPUR – Umno should revoke the suspension of its former vice president, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, given that he has refrained from attacking or criticising the party during his disciplinary period.
Geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research (NASR) Azmi Hassan said Hishammuddin continues to carry influence and his leadership could aid Johor Umno ahead of the state polls.
“I believe Hishammuddin has learned from past mistakes, such as making decisions without aligning with top party leadership.
“In my view, his suspension should be lifted because he has not criticised Umno leadership.
“Of course, some grassroots members may oppose this, citing disloyalty, but he is not like Isham Jalil or Khairy Jamaluddin…Hishammuddin has not been openly critical of Umno.
“The Sembrong MP still has a presence in Johor and nationally. He remains a leader that can be counted on.
“With Johor heading for a state election, Umno’s Supreme Council (MKT) should make a prompt decision. In my opinion, the benefits of reinstating Hishammuddin outweigh the downsides,” he told Scoop today.
Earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it was up to the supreme council to decide on the motion to reinstate the former vice-president.
He added that Hishammuddin has yet to submit a formal appeal against his suspension.
Previously, the Sembrong Umno division submitted a motion urging party leadership to revoke Hishammuddin’s six-year suspension.
Johor Umno chief Onn Hafiz, when officiating the Sembrong division meeting, pledged to bring the motion to the party’s top leadership.
Sociopolitical analyst from Universiti Malaya, Datuk Awang Azman Awang Pawi, said Hishammuddin should show a clearer commitment by submitting his own appeal, rather than relying on motions from others.
“When no appeal is filed, it reflects a lack of personal commitment on Hishammuddin’s part.
“Will his return strengthen Umno for GE16? I don’t think it will have a major impact, because Umno already has a functioning leadership lineup.
“Umno is an institution, and its leaders are just one part of it – the party isn’t reliant on political legacies alone,” he said.
Meanwhile, political analyst from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Mazlan Ali said Hishammuddin’s return could add value to Umno, which has shown improved performance since joining the unity government.
“What matters is that Zahid has adopted a policy that Umno remains open to receiving back those who were suspended or expelled but remained loyal.
“It’s a way to strengthen internal ties – so it’s not wrong for Hishammuddin to return, but he should also make that effort known,” he said.
The Sembrong MP was suspended for six years beginning 27 January 2023 – equivalent to two terms of Umno Supreme Council elections.
In December last year, there were calls for Hishammuddin to return to Umno after the Supreme Council lifted the suspension of former Pasir Salak MP, Tajuddin Abdul Rahman.
However, Hishammuddin said he would not appeal as he was never informed of the reason for his suspension.
It is understood that the disciplinary action was linked to efforts to persuade 10 BN MPs to sign statutory declarations supporting Perikatan Nasional in forming a government after GE15. – June 27, 2025