KUALA LUMPUR — Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has reaffirmed that he never left Umno and is prepared to return to active participation in the party should its leadership decide to lift his suspension.
The former defence minister made the statement through a video posted on his Instagram account today, where he welcomed recent remarks by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi indicating that the party may reconsider the suspension of several leaders.
Hishammuddin described the president’s remarks as a positive development that could help strengthen unity and cohesion within the party.
“I welcome and appreciate the president’s statement the other day. I have never left the party,” he said.
He also stressed that during the three years he has been under suspension, he has refrained from making any statements that could undermine or attack the party.
According to Hishammuddin, the decision to suspend him was previously made by Umno’s supreme council, and therefore any move to lift the suspension would also rest with the party’s leadership.
“The supreme council decided to suspend me earlier. If the party leadership decides to lift the suspension, I am ready to return and continue serving Umno,” he said.
Hishammuddin was suspended from the party for six years by Umno’s supreme council in January 2023 along with several other leaders after they were accused of acting against the party’s interests following the 15th general election.
Throughout his political career, he has held several senior positions in government, including serving as defence minister and foreign minister.
He also previously held the position of Umno vice-president and has long been regarded as a seasoned figure within the party’s leadership structure.
Recently, Ahmad Zahid indicated that the party leadership may review the status of suspended members as part of efforts to strengthen internal unity and consolidate Umno ahead of future political challenges.
-wilayah.com.my
