UMNO’s Rumah Bangsa initiative receives positive feedback from former leaders as a committee works to reunite Malay political strength under the party.
KUALA LUMPUR: The ‘Rumah Bangsa’ initiative launched by UMNO has begun receiving positive responses from political figures, including former party leaders.
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan confirmed the encouraging early feedback. He serves as a member of the initiative’s special committee.
The committee held its first meeting last week, chaired by UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Ahmad said the meeting decided the party president should issue an official statement on welcoming back former members.
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“As we are aware, the UMNO president has issued a media statement expressing UMNO’s openness through the ‘Rumah Bangsa’ initiative to invite them to return to the party,” he said. The statement also encourages non-members to join the struggle for religion, race and country.
The Deputy Works Minister was speaking after appearing as a guest on a Bernama TV programme. He said the initial review found prominent figures have expressed support.
A few individuals have set certain conditions before considering a return through the initiative. The 10-member committee has been tasked with approaching several former prominent leaders for discussions.
“Every committee member was given several names by the UMNO president for them to meet, and I was also tasked with approaching certain individuals… but for now, let their identities remain confidential,” Ahmad stated. The goal is to gather views on the concept as a unity platform.
He described the effort mooted by president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as a crucial step to reunite Malay political strength. UMNO is seen as the core party representing the Malay community.
“The overall acceptance of this initiative is positive. We are not forcing anyone,” Ahmad emphasised. The committee is striving to meet and discuss with targeted individuals.
He added that the committee has so far received several applications from prominent figures and former UMNO leaders to join the Rumah Bangsa initiative.