Kuala lumpur: More prominent figures, including those currently aligned with opposition parties, are expected to rejoin UMNO through the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative, said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister announced that a total of 6,252 individuals have so far submitted applications to return to the party or join as new members, describing the response as highly encouraging.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that many former UMNO members who are now with opposition parties have met him informally. To avoid embarrassment, he chose not to disclose any names but emphasized that UMNO welcomes all without conditions to return through Rumah Bangsa. He highlighted the simplified application process, noting that approval is granted immediately upon submission of a letter expressing the intention to join.

Ahmad Zahid further explained that the UMNO Supreme Council has agreed to streamline the process by removing the need to refer applications to the Rumah Bangsa committee. Instead, approval authority will now be delegated to a committee chaired by vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. This move aims to expedite applications and attract broader participation, especially among young members, through the introduction of online registration and digital membership cards.

Previously, applications had to go through multiple levels, from branch to division, state, and headquarters, which did not appeal to the younger generation. Ahmad Zahid described the changes as a "game-changer," noting that applications can now be made directly online to headquarters, resulting in a positive response from potential members.

Last Friday, it was reported that several prominent figures, including former UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, and former foreign minister Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar, have been unconditionally accepted back into the party under the initiative. UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed that the decision was made during a Supreme Council meeting chaired by Ahmad Zahid.