MAHATHIR'S RETURN WILL STRENGTHEN UMNO - MINISTER

KOTA TINGGI (Malaysia), Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has welcomed former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision to rejoin Umno as it would strengthen the party.

"It will restore unity which is the key to the strength of the Malays and
Muslims," he told reporters at a breaking of fast with police personnel and
orphans at the police quarters here Friday night.

Commenting on opposition PAS Spiritual Leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's
remarks that Dr Mahathir would cause chaos in Umno, Syed Hamid, who is also
Member of Parliament for southern area of Kota Tinggi, said:

"I wonder why Nik Aziz is so interested in Umno's affairs and commenting on
Umno at every turn."

Syed Hamid said he preferred the Kelantan Menteri Besar's recent call for
PAS and Umno members to unite, rather than meddle in Umno's affairs. Umno is
acronym for United Malays National Organisation, the political party leading the
ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.