DR MAHATHIR AGREES TO REJOIN UMNO, SAYS MUHYIDDIN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir
Mohamad has agreed to rejoin United Malays National Organisation (Umno), according to party vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said Dr 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 (Dr Mahathir) when he is ready to hand over the
application form," Muhyiddin said Tuesday when asked when it would be
submitted.

However, Muhyiddin who is also International Trade and Industry Minister,
said Dr 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 Najib Razak on the matter, but I have not
met with the president 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 Dr Mahathir was welcomed
to rejoin Umno at any time although his resignation from the party was accepted.

Asked why Dr Mahathir agreed to return to Umno, Muhyiddin said he was
concerned about what was happening with ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition
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, Sabbaruddin Chik and Sanusi Junid met with Dr Mahathir in a private
meeting in Cyberjaya last Saturday.

Dr Mahathir, however, was not available for comment on the matter.
-- BERNAMA