POST-UMNO ASSEMBLY: Dr M as advisor to new leadership?

(NST) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who recently decided to rejoin Umno, can be selected as an advisor to the new leadership of the country, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today.

Zahid said this was because the former prime minister has a lot of experience and knowledge that would be useful for the party.

"We (Umno) welcomed the announcement by Mahathir to rejoin the party. This showed that he still love the party and its door is always open to him," he told reporters after receiving the Ahli Yang Berhormat Yang Pertama (Seri Paduka) Bagi Darjah Kebesaran Jiwa Mahkota Kelantan (SJMK) from Sultan Ismail Petra at Istana Balai Besar yesterday.

A total of 641 receipients were conferred with various awards in conjunction with the Sultan's 59th birthday celebration.

Zahid, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said Mahathir can also contribute his idea to the party when he rejoined it.

Mahathir announced that he will rejoin Umno on the final day of the party’s general assembly on Saturday.

Umno supreme council member Datuk Mustapa Mohamed described Mahathir's decision to rejoin Umno as a good sign for the unity of the Malays.

"We also hope that by joining the party back, he can help not only to strengthen the party but also the government," said Mustapa, who is also Agriculture and Agro-based Industry minister, when met after the ceremony.