He said in a statement tonight that the decision was made by the party’s Supreme Council under the “Rumah Bangsa” initiative.

Also accepted back are former federal minister Syed Hamid Albar, who left Umno for Bersatu in 2018, and 6,252 former members at various levels.

Khairy was sacked in January 2023 following disciplinary action linked to the 15th general election, while Hishammuddin, who is MP for Sembrong, was suspended for six years in 2023 over alleged breaches of party discipline.

The Rumah Bangsa initiative was launched earlier this year by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said the party’s doors were “unconditionally” open to former members, adding that past differences would be set aside.

Khairy submitted his letter of appeal against his expulsion on March 16.

At tonight’s Supreme Council meeting, Umno leaders outlined plans for the party’s 80th anniversary celebrations on May 1-5, which will include a convention, Bumiputera education congress, entrepreneurship and education carnival, and a special fellowship session with new members.

Hybrid branch-level meetings have been approved for Umno’s Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, Asyraf added.

On socioeconomic issues, Asyraf said the party has urged Umno-led states of Johor, Melaka, Perak and Pahang to expand assistance to those affected by the rising living costs due to higher fuel prices and global inflation linked to the Middle East conflict.