Hishammuddin says he never left Umno, ready to return if suspension lifted

SHAH ALAM - Former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has indicated his readiness to return to active duty in Umno if the party leadership decides to lift his suspension.

In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, the Sembrong MP said he welcomed remarks made by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding the possibility of reviewing the suspension of several party leaders.

“I welcome and appreciate the president’s statement recently. I have never left the party.

“Previously, the supreme council decided to suspend me. Therefore, if the party leadership is sincere in its position to lift my suspension, I will return to continue fighting for Umno,” he said.

Hishammuddin added that throughout the three years of his suspension, he had never attacked Umno.

Hishammuddin was suspended by Umno’s supreme council for six years in January 2023 along with several other leaders for allegedly acting against party interests following the 15th General Election.

He previously served as the party’s vice-president and held several senior Cabinet posts, including Defence Minister and Foreign Minister.

Zahid had recently indicated that the party leadership could review the status of suspended members as part of efforts to strengthen unity within Umno.