Saturday 4 April 2009

Dr M returns to Umno

Former PM Mahathir rejoins Umno - The Star

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has officially applied to become a member of Umno again and party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak welcomed it saying that it would help revive and strengthen the party.

The simple yet meaningful ceremony also saw Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and the couple’s son, Datuk Mokhzani submitting their Umno membership application forms, with RM1 fee attached to it.

“This is a very meaningful occassion as we witnessed the return of (Tun) Dr Mahathir into the party-fold. I would like to thank Tun (Dr Mahathir) for his willingness to continue his struggles through Umno.

“As a statesman, Tun (Dr Mahathir) can play a big role in efforts to strengthen the party as well as Barisan Nasional.

“Dr Mahathir’s decision to re-join Umno brings a closure to an episode in Umno. This is also an opening of a new chapter where past and present leaders of Umno can work together to uphold the party.

“On behalf of everyone in Umno, I would like to welcome the family back into the party,” said Najib after receiving the three application forms.

The new Umno president said that Dr Mahathir and Dr Siti Hasmah would get to keep their old membership number which was 000001 and 000002 respectively.

Dr Mahathir had quit the party in May last year, citing his lack of confidence in the party’s leadership.

Najib, who is also the Prime Minister said Dr Siti Hasmah,who had also contributed to the party and the nation, could play an integral role to restore Umno as women in the party played an important role.

He said Dr Mahathir’s return to Umno was a positive development, adding it would be an advantage for Barisan when the latter goes to the ground to help campaign in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections ( Dr M on special mission; read here).

Asked if he would seek advice from Dr Mahathir regarding party and national matters, Najib said he appreciated advice from everyone.

“I value the advise and views from all quarters, including from Tun (Dr Mahathir) and Pak Lah (Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi).

“It does not matter if there are differences of views but what is important is they are inclusive in the process of strengthening Umno,” Najib said.

4 comments:

Lee said...

What is all the fuss about?A man of his age throwing tantrum!Leaving a party that he founded just because he could'nt get his way!Is that a hallmark of an elder statesman?Advice should only be given when requested.He should give up the idea of making a puppet of the person in charge!Please retire..and stop demeaning yourself.

Hakimi said...

Welcome back Tun!

rakyat said...

Contrary to what some people say about Tun Dr Mahathir. IMO, his advice is still needed following the mess left by Tun Abdullah.

Here 's what Datuk Ahmad Talib wrote in his Pahit Manis

"Kembalinya Dr Mahathir ke Umno memberi Najib kekuatan yang besar ertinya. Dalam politik tanahair, nama Dr Mahathir masih laku. Malah, mantan presiden Umno dan PM itu masih menjadi tarikan di mana sahaja beliau pergi. Dalam politik, Dr Mahathir sebagai rakan atau sekutu adalah lebih baik dan berguna dari beliau menjadi saingan atau seteru."

I am in full agreement with him.

Pak Udin said...

Saya setuju dengan komentator di atas kerana dalam keadaan politik yang terumbang ambing ini, penyertaan semula Tun Dr M tokoh, yang pernah mangharumkan nama negara dan UMNO, akan secara tak langsung memberi satu impak untuk memperkasakan semula UMNO dan Barisan Nasional.