Kota Kinabalu: Umno Sabah Liaison chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin emphasised that political stability and strong relations with experienced national governing parties remain essential to ensuring Sabah’s interests are effectively safeguarded within the federal framework.
Supporting Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent move to welcome back former members, Jafry noted that this inclusive approach is vital for strengthening the party’s ranks and reinforcing the state’s influence at the national level.
Jafry commended the party leadership’s maturity and humility, stating that reuniting experienced political figures is a strategic step in navigating an increasingly complex political environment.
He believe that consolidating Umno’s internal strength will allow the party to better focus on the nation’s development agenda while maintaining a solid front for Sabah’s unique requirements.
The open-door policy reflects Umno’s evolution as a forward-looking institution ready to integrate diverse experiences for the collective good.
According to Jafry, this drive for unity not only stabilizes the party structure but also ensures that Sabah remains a priority within the federal governance system, fostering a more constructive and inclusive political future for the state.
The initiative by Umno is for former members who wish to rejoin the party willingly, said Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said Umno’s strength lies in its grassroots operating collectively rather than as individuals.
Mohamad explained that although UMNO and its component partners in Barisan Nasional (BN) are cooperating with Pakatan Harapan (PH), the cooperation is solely to manage the country and does not involve the parties’ political agenda.
“Our coalition remains with MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS). If anyone wants to take up the Rumah Bangsa offer, it must be willingly, continuing the struggle on Umno’s platform,” he said.
Mohamad was commenting on claims by some former Umno members who rejected the initiative and described Rumah Bangsa as still being within the framework of the Madani Government.
Meanwhile, he said former members who wish to rejoin Umno must apply formally by submitting a letter to the party’s secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
“The application will be handled carefully by first referring it to the respective divisions and states. If there are no objections from the division and state levels, the application will be discussed at the management committee level before being brought to the Supreme Council (MT), as the authority to readmit members rests with the MT,” he said.
