JELI (July 5): Umno has received numerous applications from former members who wish to become members again, party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said these applications will be reviewed by the party disciplinary board to verify their membership history.

“The matter will also be brought to the Umno management committee for deliberation and then decided by the Supreme Council,” he told reporters after officiating the Jeli Umno division Youth annual general meeting Friday.

On former Selangor Umno Liaison Committee chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar joining Bersatu, Ahmad Zahid said former members are free to join any party they prefer.

“Any Umno member who has been expelled is free to join any party they like; it is their choice,” he said.

Noh, 66, confirmed his membership in Bersatu on Thursday.

The former Tanjong Karang member of parliament reportedly said he applied to join the party online two days ago without informing anyone, and his application was approved immediately.

Noh was expelled from Umno due to a breach of party discipline during the 15th general election.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the government remains committed to advancing the Malay and Islamic agenda without neglecting the interests of other races and religions.

He refuted claims that the government is in collusion with DAP, stressing that the component parties within the Unity Government respect this (Malay and Islamic) agenda.

“In my year and a half as Deputy Prime Minister and sitting in the Cabinet, DAP has never once opposed the Malay and Islamic policies that are in line with the Constitution.

“We are not in collusion with DAP; they are a component party in Pakatan Harapan (PH). Despite having only four ministers, they do not dispute these policies because they respect that experienced Umno ministers are helping the Unity Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Ahmad Zahid reiterated that the commitment to uphold the interests of Malays and Islam will continue, alongside maintaining equality among all races.

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