KUALA LUMPUR - Former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman made a notable appearance at the 2023 Umno General Assembly (PAU) today, despite his suspended membership status.
Sporting Umno corporate attire, Tajuddin expressed his unwavering loyalty to the party and expressed hopes that his appeal to lift the suspension would be approved.
Although his appeal had been rejected twice before, Tajuddin remained optimistic that Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would reconsider his appeal for the third time.
"There is no recent news on the status of my application. I have submitted an appeal three times since the 15th General Election (GE15).
"I am loyal to Umno. The party contributed a lot for me. Even if I am alone in Umno, I will not leave Umno," he told a press conference at the World Trade Centre (WTC), here, today.
Tajuddin and Alor Setar Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Yusof Ismail were previously reported to have their membership suspended for six years or two terms.
The decision was made in a Supreme Council meeting held on Sept 30 last year.
When questioned about his purpose for attending the 2023 PAU, Tajuddin mentioned that one of the reasons was to congratulate Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
He explained that Akmal's bold demand for an apology from DAP and the party's withdrawal of previous accusations against Umno had instilled hope.
Tajuddin believed that if Akmal continued to demonstrate such courage, he could be the leader capable of reviving Umno.
"I am here today to extend my congratulations to Akmal. He has given us hope. If he continues on this path, he can be the leader who revitalises Umno," Tajuddin added.
Yesterday, Akmal stated that an apology from DAP could alleviate doubts among Umno members regarding the sincerity of DAP as their ally.
However, Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed the need for DAP to prove its commitment to the Malay and Islamic agenda through an apology.
Tajuddin echoed the sentiment and believed that DAP should apologise, considering the party's previous criticisms of Umno.
"If they genuinely want to stand with the Malays, they must assist and support them, rather than just talking about it. Action is needed," he said.