Ku Li calls on ex-Umno members to return, strengthen party

KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, a veteran of the United Malay National Organisation (Umno), has urged former party members to return, emphasizing that a united front is necessary to tackle the challenges confronting the Malay community. Ku Li, as he is affectionately known, urged those who had left to come back to the fold, stating that their contributions and experience would greatly benefit Umno.

Speaking at the 2026 Umno General Assembly, he called for all former members to join one big family, as the party requires additional energy and ideas to address the issues facing the ummah. He also welcomed representatives from the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (Pas), indicating a potential avenue for rebuilding ties between the two parties.

This development, as reported by Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, has seen 45,808 members return to the party since the Rumah Bangsa concept was introduced seven months ago. This brings Umno's total membership to 3,251,456, with breakdowns of 1.4 million for Wanita Umno, 418,000 for Youth, and 226,000 for Puteri.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had announced in March that the party was open to the return of former members without conditions. Under the Rumah Bangsa initiative, a committee has been formed to manage applications for membership from individuals or blocs. Notable figures who have rejoined Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) include Tan Sri Noh Omar and Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar.

The 2026 Umno General Assembly also saw the presence of MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, Pas vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad, and others.