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UMNO’s Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has expressed confidence that the return of former party members, including Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, will strengthen the party’s ongoing Rumah Bangsa (National Home) agenda, which emphasises collective action rather than the prominence of any single individual.
"UMNO is a platform not for one person, but for everyone, including KJ (Khairy Jamaluddin) and others.
“Each person has strengths, each can contribute, as highlighted by the Honourable President," Zambry told reporters following the distribution of Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) funds to 377 families in Manjung affected by last year’s floods on Saturday.
Present at the ceremony was Meor Ismail Meor Akim, Director-General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
Zambry, who also serves as Barisan Nasional’s Secretary-General, traced the roots of the Rumah Bangsa concept to UMNO’s historic role as a unifying force for the Malay community, dating back to 1946 when over 100 Malay organisations came together to oppose the Malayan Union.
"Even though political developments have since led to the emergence of various parties, many originating from UMNO itself, the principle of maintaining a ‘national home’ remains a significant vision put forth by the UMNO President," he said.
The remarks come after UMNO President and BN Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, reportedly extended an open invitation to former members, including those expelled or suspended, to rejoin the party without conditions under the Rumah Bangsa initiative.
The offer also extends to anyone wishing to support UMNO’s mission to strengthen political unity and stability.
Former UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin has publicly expressed interest in rejoining the party following Zahid’s announcement.
In contrast, former UMNO Information Chief Shahril Hamdan, whose membership was suspended in 2023, stated that he is not ready to return to the party.
"Personally, I have said this many times... I deeply appreciate and respect the gesture made by Datuk Seri. But I am quite comfortable outside politics at the moment. One day... Wallahualam... but not now," Shahril said during his audio programme, ‘Keluar Sekejap’.
Shahril’s decision contrasts with Khairy’s, who is among the former leaders openly signalling a return under the Rumah Bangsa framework.
UMNO’s leadership has stressed that the initiative is a non-discriminatory invitation open to all former members who wish to re-engage with the party’s cause.
Those previously suspended include Shahril Hamdan, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Datuk Seri Salim Mohd Sharif, and Datuk Maulizan Bujang, while expelled leaders include Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor UMNO chief Tan Sri Noh Omar. - March 7, 2026