KUALA LUMPUR:UMNO Advisory Board chairman Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has been urged to immediately organise talks to invite the party's former president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to return to the UMNO fold.
UMNO veteran Tan Sri Yussuf Latiff said UMNO should welcome the statement by Dr Mahathir who stressed that he could return to UMNO if the largest party of the Malays went back to its initial policy to fight for the religion, race and country.
According to him, Tengku Razaleigh or Ku Li is among the leaders who is still respected by all parties and even Dr Mahathir himself had met and discussed with the former Minister of Finance in searching for the best method of Malay unity.
"Tengku Razaleigh has the capacity as UMNO advisor and can advise all parties to be open-minded and big-hearted to accept Dr Mahathir again for the sake of the religion, race and country," he said in a statement on Thursday.
In the meantime, he was also of the view that current UMNO leaders need to think about the future of the Malays and set aside their personal interests and positions.
“It is time for UMNO leaders to really prove that they are big-hearted if they want to win in the next general election.
"They should accept anyone who wants to return to support and ensure UMNO wins the next election," he said.
Yussuf said Dr Mahathir also needs to return to the UMNO fold in remembrance of the struggles of previous leaders, namely Datuk Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Hussein Onn.
According to him, all the leaders sacrificed for the sake of the party and the country without any self-interest and did not even reap any personal wealth despite being offered.
He added that even if they do not agree with any individual or leader in the party, UMNO should not be a victim until the government loses power or its registration is revoked.
"Dr Mahathir could sit down with Tengku Razaleigh to discuss recommendations on changes that should be made by UMNO to ensure UMNO returned to power for the sake of championing the cause of Muslims and Malays who are now often manipulated," he said.
He said with the participation of Dr Mahathir, his party that was formed as an UMNO splinter is urged to disband and its members rejoin UMNO as done by Parti Melayu Semangat 46.
Dr Mahathir in the 'Special Interview with Tun M' program organised by Sinar Harian admitted that he could return to UMNO provided the party returns to its original struggle.
He also admitted that he still loved UMNO, more so after having been president for 22 years but that love is not for its leaders and insisted he will not cooperate with those involved in corruption cases.
Sinar Harian
Thu Feb 18 2021
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has been urged to immediately organise talks to invite the party's former president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to return to the UMNO fold. ASTRO AWANI / SHAHIR OMAR
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.