Kuala lumpur: UMNO will establish a Committee on Uniting the Race to review and approve the re-entry of individuals or groups into the party, announced UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He assured that the door for anyone wishing to return to UMNO is always wide open.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that UMNO is not an elitist party but one that was born from the efforts of the people. He described UMNO as a home for unity and encouraged those who have lost their way to return to the party. He stressed the importance of the committee in welcoming back former members, referring to UMNO as a house for the race that teaches the meaning of struggle.
Ahmad Zahid's announcement received enthusiastic support from UMNO delegates gathered at the Dewan Merdeka in the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur. During his address at the 2025 UMNO General Assembly, he outlined three key initiatives aimed at rejuvenating UMNO's political capacity. These include restoring Malay confidence and support, changing the party's mindset and work patterns, and rebranding within the framework of political cooperation.
He highlighted the necessity for UMNO to correct its narrative to restore Malay support, emphasizing the need to rebuild confidence, improve perceptions, restore credibility, and present UMNO as a relevant and authoritative vehicle for the Malay struggle. To achieve this, UMNO plans to organize a National Consultation to discuss the political agenda of the Malay community, involving Malay organizations, experts, academics, and professionals.
In terms of changing mindset and work patterns, Ahmad Zahid stated that UMNO must be open to new members and fresh ideas, even from outside the party's traditional framework. He also pointed out that the current political realities require UMNO to undertake rebranding efforts, reassess political alliances, and review the structure of the Barisan Nasional political coalition.
The UMNO president also addressed three political challenges facing the party: cross-coalition politics, the dynamics of Malay politics, and challenges related to identity and a crisis of confidence.