KUALA LUMPUR – Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein are “more than welcome” to return to the party, according to grassroots members.
Supporters across various age groups stated that the return of high-profile figures such as Khairy and Hishammuddin could bolster Umno’s leadership and help restore voter confidence ahead of the next general election.
Putera Umno Deputy Chief Muhammad Syazwan Salleh Huddin, 27, argued that Umno needs to consolidate all available strength, particularly from leaders who command their own following and appeal among younger voters.
“I firmly believe that we need prominent figures like Khairy and Hishammuddin because they bring their own ground support and popularity, which adds value to Umno.
“For me, Khairy has to come back. It is not a question of whether he should, but that he must. If reapplying does not work, then the party itself should appeal directly to him.
“The ultimate goal is to reunite all prominent leaders to present a united front,” he said when met at the sidelines of the Umno General Assembly 2025.
Halimah Omar, 63, a retiree and long-time supporter, believes that welcoming Khairy back would demonstrate that the grassroots still value his contribution and are willing to cooperate.
“Giving him the ‘green light’ means the grassroots still care about him and welcome him home. He was not someone who betrayed the party.
“If he wishes to return, we should welcome him. Umno needs to signal its approval because many at the grassroots still hold out hope,” she said.
Younger activists also stated that Khairy’s communication skills and modern ideas resonate strongly with the youth, making him a vital asset for the party’s future.
Umno Patriotic School graduate Muhammad Alif Haikal Muhamad Noor, 22, described Khairy as a role model for the younger generation.
“Khairy is a gifted speaker and someone young people look up to because of his ideas and the way he communicates.
“If the leadership believes it is beneficial for Umno, there is nothing wrong with giving them a chance to return. It may not solve every issue, but it can help attract youth support,” he said.
Freelancer Mehamad Ezanie Mehamad Noor, 29, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Umno would benefit from combining the diverse strengths of its leaders rather than remaining divided.
“As a youth, I think it is good for Khairy and Hishammuddin to return—not to fight for positions, but to strengthen the party. Each leader has their own strengths: Khairy, Dr Akmal and even the President, Datuk Seri Zahid. If these strengths are combined, Umno will be much stronger going into GE16,” he added.