Home > Breaking News > SE Asia > Story
Sep 10, 2008
Mahathir to rejoin Umno
PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been persuaded to rejoin Umno three months after he left the party.
And he has decided to support his former political enemy, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, to be the Umno president in party elections in December.
These were among matters discussed at Dr Mahathir's residence just outside Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, The Star newspaper yesterday quoted former Umno secretary-general Sabaruddin Chik as saying.
'Why is it surprising that Dr Mahathir wishes to rejoin Umno? He only wants to save Umno and the Barisan Nasional (BN),' Tan Sri Sabaruddin said.
Dr Mahathir was invited to return to the party by Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin.
'He is very concerned about the recent developments, not only in Umno but also within BN. He is also concerned about the people's feelings and what is happening now. He thinks that by rejoining Umno, he can participate in rebuilding the party's confidence,' said Tan Sri Muhyiddin.
Umno's Supreme Council, led by its president, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, must approve the return of any member. The council will meet today but it is unclear if the matter will be raised at the meeting.
Tengku Razaleigh has announced his intention to challenge Mr Abdullah for the post of Umno president.
Dr Mahathir quit Umno in late May, saying he would return only after there was a change in its leadership.
The realignment of leaders opposed to Mr Abdullah came amid a push by opposition chief Anwar Ibrahim to draw away at least 30 MPs from the Umno-led BN coalition.
Sep 10, 2008
Mahathir to rejoin Umno
PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been persuaded to rejoin Umno three months after he left the party.
And he has decided to support his former political enemy, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, to be the Umno president in party elections in December.
These were among matters discussed at Dr Mahathir's residence just outside Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, The Star newspaper yesterday quoted former Umno secretary-general Sabaruddin Chik as saying.
'Why is it surprising that Dr Mahathir wishes to rejoin Umno? He only wants to save Umno and the Barisan Nasional (BN),' Tan Sri Sabaruddin said.
Dr Mahathir was invited to return to the party by Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin.
'He is very concerned about the recent developments, not only in Umno but also within BN. He is also concerned about the people's feelings and what is happening now. He thinks that by rejoining Umno, he can participate in rebuilding the party's confidence,' said Tan Sri Muhyiddin.
Umno's Supreme Council, led by its president, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, must approve the return of any member. The council will meet today but it is unclear if the matter will be raised at the meeting.
Tengku Razaleigh has announced his intention to challenge Mr Abdullah for the post of Umno president.
Dr Mahathir quit Umno in late May, saying he would return only after there was a change in its leadership.
The realignment of leaders opposed to Mr Abdullah came amid a push by opposition chief Anwar Ibrahim to draw away at least 30 MPs from the Umno-led BN coalition.
