Invitations, not applications to return to Umno
Restoring dignity to former members could be the party’s first step toward unity and renewal.
AMID calls for Umno to readmit suspended or expelled members who have stayed faithful, the party faces a critical decision: should these individuals seek reinstatement, or should the party extend the invitation?
Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Jumat argues that Umno should welcome back loyal members without strict preconditions.
“Loyalty proven under adversity must count for something. Reuniting the party’s estranged but faithful sons is the first, indispensable step toward genuine Malay unity,” said the former state assemblyman for Kempas, Johor.
He stressed that Umno must first repair itself before seeking wider Malay unity.
“A fractured party cannot credibly lead a united cause. Unity begins with justice, magnanimity and political maturity within our ranks. Reconciliation inside Umno is not a retreat from principle; it is a return to strength.
"Only a party that is whole, confident, and inclusive can command respect and rally Malays beyond its walls," he added.
Jasri Jamil from Umno’s Pulai division echoed this view, noting that inviting former members back, with clear explanations or a general amnesty, signals maturity and confidence.
“Let us welcome them with generosity and open hearts. At the same time, those returning should reflect on the past. This is not about blame, it is about humility, reflection, and moving forward together,” he said.
He added that differences of opinion are not a weakness, they indicate a vibrant party. “We must respect them, manage them wisely and even celebrate them.”
Political observers highlight two perspectives. Requiring applications reinforces party authority, frames return as contrition and signals that rules matter. For a party immersed in hierarchy, it maintains structure while avoiding rewarding dissent.
However, Umno is no longer dominant.
Those who were ejected maintained grassroots influence, established alternative venues and continue to mould Malay opinion. Insisting on applications may gratify institutional pride, but it risks perpetuating discord when unity is needed most.
In contrast, inviting members back without conditions indicates confidence, not weakness. It redefines reconciliation as a social reset rather than an individual concession, allowing the party to absorb erstwhile opponents while regaining strength and significance.
In the end, Umno's choice will reveal how it views its moment. If it believes it can dictate terms, it will insist on applications.
If it recognises that renewal demands magnanimity, it may extend the olive branch first. The decision will influence not only who returns, but also how the party is seen by members, rivals, and the electorate.
As a result, the problem is both symbolic and practical. Selecting invitations over applications can promote diversity, improve loyalty and mend internal divisions.
Asking former members to return is more than a compromise in a party where pride, principle, and politics sometimes collide; it is a demonstration of strength, vision, and commitment to a shared future.
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