Umno stresses party’s role as pillar of Malay unity

UMNO has renewed its call for former members to return to the party, with vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasising that the party belongs to the wider Malay community rather than any single individual.

In a statement, Khaled said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had extended an open invitation for those who had previously left the party to come back and contribute once again to its cause.

“This call should be welcomed with an open mind by all. It stems from the awareness that Umno is more than just a political movement. Since its founding, Umno has served as a platform to protect, advance, and unite the Malays,” he said.

Khaled described Umno as a long-standing institution that has endured both strengths and weaknesses while continuing to safeguard the dignity and interests of the Malay community.

“I therefore urge all who were once part of Umno to return to the party's fold. This house is still strong, its breeze is as it was, and even gentle rain is graced with a rainbow. Those of us who remain still cherish all the memories of the past as one family,” he said.

Acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in a large organisation, Khaled said such differences should not undermine the shared foundation that had once united its members.

“No land is untouched by rain, and no sky goes without clouds. Yet these disagreements should not make this house a place of enmity. On this foundation, we all once grew, were nurtured, and found protection,” he said.

Khaled also stressed that no other political platform could rival Umno’s historical role in shaping the nation and the Malay community.

“The bond between Umno and the Malays runs deep, blood is thicker than water. Umno is also the platform that bridged a colonial past to independence. It has lifted a community from poverty to prosperity and upheld Islam as a progressive religion,” he said.

The remarks come as Umno seeks to consolidate support and strengthen unity within its ranks amid Malaysia’s evolving political landscape. - March 8, 2026