KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) has expressed interest in being absorbed into Umno.
The Umno president said he had discussed the matter with Ikatan president Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadhil.
“I have spoken with Tan Sri Kadir Sheikh Fadhil. He handed over his party to us to be absorbed,” Zahid said in his winding-up speech at the 79th Umno General Assembly here today.
Ikatan, a splinter from Umno, was formed by Abdul Kadir in 2012. It is one of the three parties in the Gagasan Sejahtera coalition together with Pas and Berjasa, formed in 2016.
Zahid also said many leaders from other parties have expressed a desire to return to Umno.
“There is also a party that was previously closely allied in a coalition, but some of its leaders have since repented sincerely and wish to rejoin Umno.
“We will accept them,” he said.
Zahid sought to allay concerns among Umno leaders and members over the party’s decision to accept those who wish to rejoin under the Rumah Besar initiative, which he announced in his policy speech yesterday.
“If anyone is worried that these individuals who wish to rejoin Umno want to contest at the branch or division level, do not worry. I am still the BN chairman.
“I am the one who signs the letters of appointment,” he said.
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