KUALA LUMPUR, 9 Sept 2008: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has agreed to rejoin Umno, according to party vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said Mahathir had expressed his interest to return to Umno at a meeting last Saturday due to his concern over developments in the party but did not state when he would send in his application.
"You should ask Tun (Dr Mahathir) when he is ready to hand over the application form," Muhyiddin said today when asked when it would be submitted.
However, Muhyiddin who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said Mahathir had indicated that he (Dr Mahathir) was unsure whether his application to rejoin the party would be accepted by the Supreme Council.
"I have met Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the matter, but I have not met with the president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Whatever the decision, it is up to the Supreme Council," he told reporters after a meeting with the Malaysian Services Development Council (MSDC).
However, Muhyiddin felt that the former premier should not have any problem returning to Umno as the Supreme Council had said that Mahathir was welcomed to rejoin Umno at any time although his resignation from the party was accepted.
Asked why Mahathir agreed to return to Umno, Muhyiddin said he was concerned about what was happening with Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno.
"He is very concerned about the recent developments, not only in Umno but within BN. He is also concerned about the people’s feelings and what is happening now. He thinks that by rejoining Umno, he can participate in rebuilding the party’s confidence," he said.
Muhyiddin added that several Umno veterans including Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik and Tan Sri Sanusi Junid met with Mahathir in a private meeting in Cyberjaya last Saturday.
Mahathir, however, was not available for comment on the matter.
On Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s meeting with Abdullah later today, Muhyiddin said: "Let him meet with the prime minister to seek views. We like to see this matter resolved in a manner that will benefit everybody." – Bernama
