UMNO has approved the unconditional return of former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, former vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, in a move that underscores a wider effort to rebuild the party’s ranks.

Secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed the reinstatement in a Facebook post on Friday following a leadership meeting in Melaka, with the trio among 6,252 former members readmitted under the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative.

The decision comes after months of signals from party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that Umno remained open to welcoming back former members.

Khairy, who was dismissed from the party in January 2023, had reportedly submitted a letter of appeal seeking to overturn his expulsion.

Shortly after the decision, he posted on Instagram: “I’m home.” In a subsequent post, he added: “Alhamdulillah, thank you President (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) and MT (Supreme Council).”

Hishammuddin had earlier indicated he was prepared to return if his suspension was lifted and was reported to have submitted an application to the party president.

Syed Hamid, who left Umno in 2018 to join Bersatu after stating he had lost confidence in the party, had also recently expressed his intention to rejoin.

Beyond the high-profile reinstatements, the party’s leadership council agreed to amend membership rules to allow online registration, a move aimed at easing recruitment, particularly among younger Malaysians.

In addressing broader national concerns, Umno also called on states under its administration to intensify targeted assistance programmes, citing rising living costs driven by fuel price increases and global inflation linked to the Iran conflict.

The party further announced key programmes for its 80th anniversary celebrations, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from May 1 to 5, including conventions, education congresses and entrepreneurship events. – April 18, 2026