Umno to Assess Returning Leaders for GE16 Based on Electability, Says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will fairly evaluate the contributions and political potential of former leaders who have rejoined the party, including their chances of contesting in the 16th General Election (GE16), according to party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid said the party’s decision on candidate selection would be based on “winnability” and the ability of individuals to strengthen Umno in their respective constituencies.

Speaking during a special interview held in conjunction with Umno’s 80th anniversary celebration, the Barisan Nasional chairman stressed that returning members who remain committed to serving the party deserve fair consideration.

“We must be fair to those who return and show commitment to continue contributing to Umno,” he said.

The deputy prime minister explained that any opportunity to contest in GE16 would depend on a candidate’s electability and public acceptance in a particular parliamentary or state seat.

On April 18, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that 6,252 former leaders and members from division and branch levels nationwide had rejoined the party under the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative.

Among the prominent figures readmitted were Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Khairy Jamaluddin, and Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar.

The Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative was introduced by Ahmad Zahid to reunite Malays and encourage former Umno members to return to the party. The platform, launched during last year’s Umno General Assembly, allows former members to re-register easily, including through online applications, without complicated procedures.

Ahmad Zahid also stressed that Umno’s political struggle remains strong and relevant, describing the party as the foundation of many current Malay-Muslim political leaders and movements in the country.

“Umno is the origin of many Malay-Muslim political parties today, as several parties emerged from splits within Umno,” he said.

He added that political leaders should focus more on helping the people and addressing national issues instead of competing over who is “more Malay” or “more Islamic”.

According to Ahmad Zahid, the current political landscape requires a broader and more rational approach that prioritises national interests, including economic development and education, rather than narrow party-centric thinking.

“This must be viewed rationally and not through a narrow mindset that limits broader national progress,” he said.

The Umno president expressed confidence that the party can continue to play a major role in shaping the country’s future if unity among Malays and cooperation across communities are strengthened.