Former Bersatu vice-president returns to Umno

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu)'s former vice president, Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen has returned to Umno.

Mohd Rafiq said the Umno Supreme Council (MKT) yesterday accepted his application to rejoin as an Umno member, and it will take effect on March 18, which is after the party's election.

"Alhamdulillah, after discussing with friends, family members, and comrades, I decided to submit an application to join Umno a few weeks ago.

"Millions of thanks to the president (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) and deputy president (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan), secretary general (Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan), Melaka Umno chief (Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh), MKT members, and Tangga Batu Umno division chief (Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad) for giving me the opportunity to return.

"I am aware the decision is not a popular one and is not agreed upon or accepted by all parties.

"However, I am confident and believe the challenging journey of my political career, starting from when I had first step into politics until now, including the journey to fight alongside Umno again are all destined by Allah," he said in a statement today.

He said the decision was not made because of Umno's position in the Unity Government.

He said he and his friends had decided to not join Bersatu and instead support Umno before the 15th General Election (GE15), when it was unknown which party would govern the country.

"I am sincere, determined, and committed to helping and fighting with Umno leadership, Melaka Umno, and Tangga Batu Umno division to restore the people's support and trust towards Umno.

"I am grateful that my journey with Umno, which had stopped for a while before, can continue," he said.