KUALA LUMPUR: Several Umno leaders who were suspended or expelled, including Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Khairy Jamaluddin, have been 'urged' to return to strengthen the party's position.
A Utusan Malaysia report quotes former Pasir Salak member of parliament Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman sayting that he would meet with these leaders soon to discuss the matter.
Tajuddin mentioned that he had yet to discuss this issue with any leaders, despite revealing that he had met Khairy previously.
"So far, I haven't met or discussed it because I am still thinking whether I am in a position to persuade them, lest they think I am overstepping.
"But, in the next day or two, if I get the chance and meet them, I can speak up, because the president himself has publicly stated that if others wish to return, the Umno Supreme Council is ready to consider it.
"I urge my fellow members who were suspended or expelled, let's forget what happened, for the sake of the party and our struggle, it's better to return to Umno. What can we do outside of Umno?" he said.
On Nov 25, Umno lifted the six-year suspension on Tajuddin, with immediate effect.
Tajuddin said he believes the leaders who were suspended still have 'a heart' with Umno, which is why they did not choose to jump to another party.
"I admit there was a misunderstanding with the president, and I apologised. The president accepted my apology.
"There's no harm, and no one has insulted me, saying I was once so bold, but now I'm apologising.
"As of now, I haven't had any discussions with them," he added.
Tajuddin also revealed that there have been 'movements' trying to convince him to join another party in the past two months.
"Indeed, there have been one or two friends of mine, I won't mention their names, who have 'jumped' and invited old friends to meet. I didn't respond to the invitation," he said.