TAWAU: Kalabakan Umno Division has invited former and suspended members, including those who have left the party, to join under the national Rumah Bangsa initiative announced at the recent Umno General Assembly.
This open invitation includes former Kalabakan Umno Chief Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, currently serving a six-year suspension.
Kalabakan Umno Chief and Sabah Umno Liaison Secretary Samasudin Yusop said the division fully supports Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call for Rumah Bangsa.
“We welcome all parties to unite and support the party’s leadership proposal,” Samasudin said during a press conference at Kalabakan Umno’s Majlis Sama-Sama Sungkai in Taman Univilla, Saturday.
He added that Kalabakan Umno is ready to accept members who may have been expelled, suspended, or inactive, but stressed that returning members should be genuinely motivated rather than driven by personal interests.
Samasudin said that no formal applications had been received yet, and anyone wishing to return must submit written applications renewing their loyalty, as verbal declarations won’t be enough.
“In reality, Kalabakan Umno currently has only one member under suspension — Andi Suryady, for six years. However, there are other members facing disciplinary action who have become inactive and whose names no longer appear in the party system,” he said.
He also noted that the opportunity for rejoining may not last long, urging those interested to act quickly.
On the coming 16th General Election (GE16), Samasudin expressed confidence in defending the Kalabakan parliamentary seat, traditionally a Barisan Nasional stronghold. Despite less favourable results in the recent state election, the division’s machinery at all levels remains prepared for GE16.
Deputy Kalabakan Umno Chief Aslan Fadli Samsul Alang said the division had already nominated a single candidate for the Kalabakan seat to avoid division and strengthen the party’s position.
Kalabakan has been a stronghold for BN and Umno, losing the seat to Parti Warisan in GE14 but reclaiming it in GE15 through Andi Suryady, who is now serving his suspension.
