Possible return of ousted Umno leaders draws mixed reactions

Some believe they could help party win votes at next GE, but need for appeal poses issues

- Lu Wei Hoong

KUALA LUMPUR - The possible comeback of ousted Umno leaders to the party's fold — should they submit an appeal — has garnered split reactions within the once-dominant force, which has been trying to lift waning support from Malay voters and secure its chances in the next general election.

In particular, the possible reinstatement of former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who was suspended in January 2023 for allegedly backing a rival candidate for prime minister after Umno suffered its heaviest political defeat in the 2022 election, has sparked heated discussion among its members.

Others who could return to the fold include former information chief Shahril Hamdan and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who were suspended and expelled from the party, respectively, after the 2022 General Election.

The duo, and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin, 63, continue to wield significant influence among the Malay community.

In what could be perceived as a tentative effort to extend an olive branch, the Umno Supreme Council — the party's top policymaking body — said on June 30 that it might consider appeals from party members who were suspended for six years, naming Mr Hishammuddin and Mr Shahril among those who fell under this category, according to party newsletter Umno Online.

The rumour mill is also swirling with speculation that the trio may return to Umno, as the party seeks to regain its footing and counter the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional's (PN) growing influence among ethnic Malay voters.

Umno currently holds 26 parliamentary seats and 109 state assembly seats — significantly fewer than PN's 68 MPs and 208 state representatives, who dominate the Malay heartland.

Currently, in the 31-member Cabinet, Umno holds six ministerial positions, followed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) with five ministers.