Khairy and Hishammuddin, on the other hand, were among several high-profile figures purged in 2023. Khairy was sacked while Hishammuddin was suspended for six years.
Khairy, 50, is Malaysia’s former health minister while Hishammuddin, 64, previously held the home affairs, education and defence portfolios.
Analysts had said their return would boost UMNO in upcoming state and national polls. Malaysia’s 16th general election is due by February 2028 but is expected to be held as early as the middle of this year.
The current Melaka state government’s term ends in December 2026, while the current Johor state government’s term ends in April 2027. This means their state elections are due by February 2027 and June 2027, respectively.
Analysts said Khairy could help win back urban and younger Malay voters, while Hishammuddin still wields influence in the party’s power networks.
At Friday’s meeting, UMNO also changed party membership rules to enable online registration, Asyraf Wajdi’s media statement said. This is aimed at easing recruitment, especially of youths.
Amid rising fuel prices and inflation linked to the Middle East conflict, UMNO urged the states that it leads – Johor, Melaka, Perak and Pahang – to step up aid for affected communities.
It also announced key programmes for its 80th anniversary celebration to be held from May 1 to 5 in Kuala Lumpur.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/umno-khairy-hishammuddin-syed-hamid-albar-rejoin-rumah-bangsa-6064921
