KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno’s open-door policy applies to former members, including those previously suspended or who left the party, Chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin said.
Returning members must submit a formal application, which will be reviewed by a party committee.
He made the remarks after a Ramadan iftar on Thursday attended by party leaders and component parties with aid distributed to asnaf recipients.
The policy addresses the status of leaders such as Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya and Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy.
He added that Sabah’s political environment is stable, and reopening party doors is aimed at unity and inclusivity rather than responding to a crisis.
In his speech, Jafry noted that voters in the last state election showed resistance to “outside” or Malayan parties, focusing on future benefits rather than past achievements.
"Times have changed, and so have the challenges. Sabah Umno must demonstrate new capability and political acumen to convince the people that it remains the best party to serve Sabah’s future," he said.
