FORMER Umno Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, last night publicly announced his intention to rejoin the party through the Rumah Bangsa agenda.
Khairy, who was sacked from Umno four years ago, said he saw Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement opening the door to unconditional unification as a positive development and a noble opportunity for him.
Khairy said the statement issued by Ahmad Zahid on March 6, which opened the door to Rumah Bangsa to former members who had been sacked or suspended, also gave him meaning.
"The statement issued today, March 6, from the Umno President that Umno is opening the door to unconditional unification.
“I see this as a positive development and a pure opportunity for me personally,” he said through an excerpt from episode 191 of the Keluar Sekejap audio broadcast shared on the podcast’s Facebook page on Friday night.
In the same recording, Khairy also instructed his Press Secretary, Raja Syahrir Raja Abu Bakar, to prepare a draft application letter for the purpose.
Meanwhile, in a separate video post on the same platform, former Umno Youth Vice-Chief, Shahril Hamdan, stated that he appreciated and respected the gesture shown by the Umno President, but admitted that he was more comfortable being outside the political framework for the time being.
According to Shahril, he is currently more comfortable being outside the political arena, although he does not rule out the possibility of returning one day.
"I really appreciate and respect the gesture made by Datuk Seri Zahid, but at this point, I am quite comfortable outside politics. Maybe one day, but not now," he said.
In January 2023, Umno took strict disciplinary action, sacking Khairy from the party.
At the same time, the membership of Sembrong Umno Chief, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Umno Youth Vice Chief, Shahril Hamdan were also suspended.
Tebrau Division Umno Chief, Datuk Maulizan Bujang was suspended for six years.
In addition, the action also involved several other members, namely five from Umno Pasir Gudang, nine from Umno Putrajaya, two from Umno Tanjong Karang and 26 members of Umno Pahang.
They were subjected to this action after they were found to have contested as Independent candidates or represented parties other than Barisan Nasional (BN), in addition to being accused of aiding opposing parties during the 15th General Election. – March 7, 2026
