Akmal, who has courted controversy for his outspoken barbs, particularly against DAP, said his presence in Umno was proof that the party was not solely composed of yes-men but welcomed differing opinions.

He added that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had always welcomed any proposal or opinion conveyed by party leaders.

“I am proof that being in Umno doesn’t necessarily mean that one is a yes-man. Although I hold certain views that contradict the party president’s, he has never once asked me to stop airing my views,” he told FMT.

Khairy, who was sacked from Umno last January for breaching party discipline during the 2022 general election, had said he was willing to return to Umno if the party committed to changing for the better.

However, he said he would not return if it meant he had to become a yes-man. He said Umno would need to accept him as someone who remained loyal to the party but had his own ideals.

He was responding to Zahid, who said Umno was open to welcoming sacked or suspended members if they proved their determination to return to the party.

Zahid cited the lifting of Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s six-year suspension from Umno, saying the former Pasir Salak MP had sent four appeal letters to be reinstated as a member.

Akmal said Zahid’s willingness to welcome former leaders like Khairy back into the fold reflected his magnanimity as Umno president.

Separately, Umno veterans club chairman Othman Desa said Khairy should not allow personal issues with the leadership to keep him from rejoining the party if he truly loved it.

“Anwar Ibrahim was in enmity with Umno for 25 years, but that’s no longer the case. All the more for someone who says Umno is still close to his heart despite being sacked. So I bid him welcome in advance.”