UMNO signals open-door policy for returning leaders as Zahid voices support for Isa Samad

UMNO has declared that its doors remain open to any individual or leader wishing to return to or join the party, signalling an inclusive approach under its Rumah Bangsa initiative aimed at uniting the Malay community under a stable political platform.

President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party is ready to welcome leaders or members from other parties, whether individually or in groups.

“As with the objective of establishing Rumah Bangsa, it is open to anyone who wishes to return or join UMNO. UMNO is not only a vehicle for UMNO members but also for anyone committed to advancing the interests of the Malay community,” he said.

Zahid’s remarks were made in the context of ongoing leadership tensions within Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), where Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is reportedly facing possible disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Hamzah is among six former UMNO MPs who left the party on December 14, 2018, citing a loss of confidence in Zahid’s leadership at the time.

Recent developments in Bersatu’s leadership conflicts have now placed him in the spotlight for potential disciplinary measures, following calls from party leaders for action against the Larut MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Dewan Rakyat.

In a separate matter, Zahid expressed his sympathy for former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad and his family following the Federal Court’s decision to reinstate Isa’s six-year prison sentence and RM15.45 million fine for corruption.

“We pray that Isa and his family remain resilient in facing this test,” Zahid said after attending the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s retreat with its agencies. He added that he hoped the family would remain patient and that he would keep them in his prayers.

Earlier in the day, a three-member Federal Court bench led by Datuk Nordin Hassan allowed the prosecution’s appeal, overturning a Court of Appeal ruling that had previously acquitted Isa of all charges.

Isa was initially charged on December 14, 2018, with one count of criminal breach of trust and nine counts of receiving gratification involving over RM3 million, linked to his role in approving Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd’s acquisition of the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites in Kuching in 2014.

Following the Federal Court decision, Isa’s family members in the public gallery were visibly emotional, shedding tears as the former Felda chairman was ordered to commence his prison term. - February 10, 2026