Kuala lumpur: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that he had received a letter of appeal from former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to rejoin the party. Ahmad Zahid said the application was received from Khairy, the former Rembau Member of Parliament who submitted a letter of appeal personally to rejoin UMNO, yesterday. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that the appeal will be forwarded to the Rumah Bangsa Unification Committee, chaired by UMNO vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, for deliberation and approval. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the true essence of Rumah Bangsa is to reconnect those who were separated and unite them in a collective struggle. He further added that disputes among friends are temporary and reconciliation is paramount. The effort aims to reunify and strengthen the ranks of UMNO, restoring its position as a leading political force for Malays and Muslims in the country. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the importance of opening UMNO's doo rs to former members who had been sacked or suspended. In his Facebook post, Khairy Jamaluddin expressed his gratitude towards Ahmad Zahid for the opportunity to return, emphasizing his commitment to the party's struggle for religion, race, and country. He acknowledged the president's openness and looked forward to contributing to the party without any personal demands. Khairy, who was dismissed from UMNO on January 23, 2023, for breaching party discipline, had previously criticized the party's direction and leadership. Despite this, he remains hopeful that his reinstatement will help strengthen UMNO amidst the current political uncertainties. Expressing his dedication, Khairy mentioned his willingness to serve as an ordinary member, ready to tackle any challenges within the party. He emphasized the importance of a unified and dignified nation, expressing his readiness to contribute to UMNO's journey through challenging times.