KUALA LUMPUR – Umno can benefit from welcoming back members who have been suspended or removed, as long as it helps to strengthen the party.
This opinion was shared by Datuk Othman Desa, the chairman of Umno Veterans, in response to reports that the Sembrong division of Umno has suggested lifting the suspension of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s membership.
“If we can welcome individuals from other parties into Umno, then we should certainly embrace those who have fought for Umno, understand its values, and continue to have a passion for it.
“Regarding mistakes and errors, I believe there’s room for forgiveness. At that time, following the election, the environment was charged, but now things have settled down and are more peaceful.
“When making a decision, we often reflect on that chaotic environment. If someone’s loyalty is in doubt, who decides what loyalty really means? If you were to ask people about it, you’d likely get a variety of answers and perspectives.
“What matters now is what’s best for the party. We need to consider what we want our party to become. Our goal should be to regain our strength, and we should let go of any feelings of revenge or grievances.
“What matters most is making decisions that benefit the party’s interests,” he told Scoop when contacted.
Hishammuddin was suspended from Umno for six years, beginning on Jan 27, 2023, which equated to two election terms for the Umno MKT.
The suspension letter, dated Jan 30, 2022, was signed by Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who was the Umno Secretary-General at that time.
During this period, Umno conducted a significant purge, leading to the suspension and dismissal of several leaders, including Hishammuddin, former Umno Information Chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, former Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin, and former Selangor Umno Chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar.
Ahmad, a current member of the Supreme Council (MKT), mentioned earlier that the leadership is likely to address Hishammuddin’s suspension in a meeting scheduled for later tonight.
He noted that the topic will be brought up if Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Umno Chairman of Johor, raises it.
Ahmad emphasised that, as a party rooted in grassroots support, Umno must consider the desires of the people.
“If the people express their continued support and affection for Hishammuddin, as we can observe in Sembrong, Johor, where he is still well-liked, we in Umno need to acknowledge that sentiment as well.
“We shouldn’t rely solely on individual viewpoints; it’s important to consider the perspectives of the larger group. If bringing back a member or leader can bolster Umno, then there’s nothing wrong with that,” he said. – June 30, 2025