Akmal said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has already indicated his willingness to consider appeals from those who were subjected to disciplinary action, Berita Harian reported.

“The party is for everyone, and we must come together again. We need them (those who were suspended or sacked) to help strengthen the party.

“But there’s one condition – everyone must put their ego aside. God willing, Umno will become stronger,” he was quoted as saying after officiating the Seremban Umno Youth annual general meeting last night.

He was commenting on a motion by Sembrong Umno calling for suspended former division chief Hishammuddin Hussein to be welcomed back to the party

However, the Sembrong MP and former party vice-president has hinted that he would not appeal his suspension, saying that he had not been officially told what he had done wrong, and appealing was not a measure of loyalty.

Akmal said he was also open to facilitating the return of not only Hishammuddin but also other former leaders like Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan.

“Those who were disciplined had contributed in ways we cannot forget. That’s why I say unity in Umno is crucial, and that unity cannot come from just one side,” he said.