Party reset: Khairy, Hishammuddin back in Umno?

SHAH ALAM - Umno has agreed to readmit, without conditions, members who were previously suspended, sacked or who left the party, in a move seen as a major consolidation push ahead of its 80th anniversary.

Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the decision, made at the party’s Supreme Council meeting in Melaka on Friday, includes high-profile figures such as Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Khairy Jamaluddin, alongside Tan Sri Syed Hamid Syed Jaafar Albar and 6,252 former leaders and grassroots members nationwide.

He said the move is part of the “Rumah Bangsa” concept introduced by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, aimed at rebuilding unity within Umno after years of internal fractures.

"The decision allows former members to return regardless of the circumstances behind their exit, signalling a more conciliatory approach following past leadership disputes and disciplinary actions," he said.

Khairy was previously sacked in January 2023, while Hishammuddin was suspended for six years during the same period, amid internal disagreements within the party leadership.

Umno has since faced ongoing challenges in retaining grassroots support, particularly among younger voters and urban Malays, making reconciliation efforts increasingly critical to its political recovery.

Meanwhile, Asyraf said the party will also introduce online membership registration as part of efforts to attract younger members and modernise party operations.

"The decision follows amendments to its membership regulations under Clause 5.2 of the party constitution. The move is aimed at lowering barriers to entry, particularly among youths, as Umno seeks to rebuild its base in an increasingly digital political landscape," he said.

The shift reflects broader concerns within the party over declining youth engagement, especially after recent elections where support among younger voters weakened.

The hybrid approach to political participation is also being expanded, with Umno allowing its Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings to conduct branch-level meetings both physically and online in non-election years.

The party had also called on states under its leadership especially in Johor, Melaka, Perak and Pahang to step up assistance for the people facing rising living costs, citing global inflation and oil price increases linked to geopolitical tensions in Iran.

The call comes amid growing public concern over household financial strain, with inflationary pressures continuing to impact essential goods and services.

Asyraf said targeted aid at the state level is crucial to cushion the impact on vulnerable communities, particularly as global economic uncertainties persist.