“There will be no special privileges for them,” he said.

Zahid said Umno prioritises people’s welfare and national harmony and was open to welcoming more people to join the party regardless of their background.

However, they have to undergo the process in accordance with the party’s constitution. They will be re-accepted, but only as ordinary members.

He added that the party had to be fair and firm in re-accepting former members, although it welcomed them with open arms.

Earlier today, Sinar Harian reported former Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Annuar Musa as saying that several senior leaders from Bersatu would rejoin Umno and BN for the coming Johor state elections.

The Ketereh Umno division chief called on the party to embrace these leaders who wanted to “return to their roots”.