Federal Territories Umno agrees to accept sacked leaders but with conditions

KUALA LUMPUR - The Federal Territories Umno has agreed that suspended leaders could be reinstated if they are able to add value to the party.

Its information chief Gulam Muszaffar said he was still consistent with his speech and stance during the Umno General Assembly last year.

"In life, people make mistakes including in the political field.

"As Winston Churchill said, in war you can't make a single mistake but in politics you have the right to make several mistakes because you can correct the situation compared to war where you will die with just one mistake," he said in a statement.

He said the acceptance of the suspended leader was important to maintain the harmony, stability and unity that was now felt under the leadership of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to strengthen the party's position in the face of the 16th General Election (GE16).

He explained that leaders who will be 'sanctified' must comply with all the rules and conditions imposed.

"I also strongly agree that they also cannot 'dictate' with their own wishes and desires or their respective political camps.

"Give full authority to the president, party political bureau, MKT (Supreme Working Council) members and divisions involved with the issue or problem of applications for leaders who want to return to Umno and move actively again," he said.

However, Gulam said the sacked leader must be self-reflective and repent.

"Leaders who still criticise and curse Umno and the 'haters' of Umno president, let them 'si luncai dengan labu-labunya'," he said.

He said many parties are asking for views on the proposal to give a chance to some former leaders who have been sacked and suspended to be accepted back into Umno.

"The question addressed puts me in a state of dilemma and will certainly raise a prolonged polemic.

"Because this issue directly involves certain parts and personalities who are of course uncomfortable when given the opportunity to be accepted again," he said.

Gulam said the sentiments of the last party election and betrayal still echoed in their minds and hearts.

"Many will be hurt and discouraged (maybe) some may or may not agree with my views, but my statement is more towards the party first," he added.

Therefore, he said, all parties needed to agree that politics was a game of numbers, if with the inclusion of certain leaders could increase the numbers, it should be considered.

"Any political numbers are not just to popularise themselves either for the people or members but only and for the sake of the party that we love.

"In any case, I believe in the wisdom of the Umno president and the party's top leadership to resolve this polemic and crisis and I agree with whatever the leadership decides," he said.

On Friday, former Umno MKT member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman revealed that he had submtted three appeal letters against the suspension of his membership, but until now it was still considered quiet.

Previously, it was reported that several Umno leaders had been suspended and sacked, including Tajuddin, former information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan, former vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.