Zahid's invitation for expelled Umno members shows that he has a big heart

SEREMBAN - Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's invitation to former Umno members who were expelled to attend the Umno General Assembly (PAU) shows that he is a big-hearted man.

Negeri Sembilan Umno liaison body secretary Mustapha Nagoor said that this is because such an invitation had never been made before and it should be seen from a positive angle.

"Previously, any Umno member who was fired or suspended was not even invited to come to the assembly, but this time, he himself invited them openly.

"In my view, the president has a big heart and has demonstrated his openness to invite anyone; come if you miss the party," he told Sinar Harian on Tuesday.

He said, the criticism that arose against the invitation was because the issue had been politicised.

It was reported that Zahid had said that Umno always opens its doors for its former members to attend its assembly. He said even if the former members did not attend as delegates they could perhaps be an observer outside the hall.

However, Zahid's statement drew the ire of former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein who said that there was no need to invite former Umno members who were fired to attend the assembly because it did not help in efforts to restore the party's current reputation.

"I'm sure the public missed the original Umno more. There is no need to invite expelled members to the Umno General Assembly in a sarcastic manner.

"This only reflects the current mentality and thinking of Umno leaders. It does not help at all the efforts to restore the party's reputation nor its efforts in winning the hearts of the grassroots," he said.