PASIR MAS - Umno expressed its openness to welcoming back former leaders, particularly those who have significantly contributed to the party, including Khairy Jamaluddin.
Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh stressed that returning members must adhere to specific conditions, as the party operates within a structured framework.
"If Khairy Jamaluddin, Shahril Hamdan, Noh Omar (Tan Sri Noh Omar), or anyone else wishes to rejoin the party, they can submit an application.
"Party President (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) has shown kindness.
"For instance, Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, despite his criticisms of the President, was still welcomed back," the Merlimau assemblyman told a press conference here today.
Dr Akmal made these remarks during a media conference on Tuesday after participating in a community cleanup initiative at the Kemas Harmoni Kindergarten in Kampung Serongga.
The event was also attended by Kelantan Umno Youth Chief Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani.
Addressing allegations that Umno leaders lack independent thought, Dr Akmal dismissed such claims.
"I am proof that Umno leaders are not controlled puppets. There have been several occasions where I disagreed with others. In this party, we embrace differing opinions, but once a decision is made, we abide by it," he said.
He also added that the party values diverse perspectives, noting that he would have been removed if differing opinions were an issue.
"However, Umno today is different; it values and respects diverse views," he said.