According to press reports, Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that his party would not accept Anwar Ibrahim back into its fold.

I think the first question that should be asked is very simple: has Anwar ever applied to rejoin Umno since he was sacked in 1998? If the answer is no, the question of Umno accepting or not accepting him does not arise at all.

To say that Umno does not accept Anwar without Anwar himself applying to rejoin should show how 'face-loving' this rotten party is.

Indeed, like so many former Umno members who have resigned from the party in late 1998 and early 1999, I am glad to be on the opposition side now. The thought of rejoining Umno has never occurred in my mind. To me now, joining Umno is no longer a badge of honour, but a mark of shame.

If we live simply and humbly in accordance to the true teachings of Islam and all other religions and work hard everyday to earn an honest income, surely we can all still lead a decently comfortable live.

On the outside of Umno, our conscience can be clearer as we are no longer part of its corrupt, oppressive, deceitful and decadent regime. Malaysia and the world is larger than the coconut shell called Umno.

Yes, Anwar should be honoured for not rejoining Umno. He should even feel proud for being rejected without himself applying to rejoin in the first place. It all shows how Umno is still frightened and insecure over all the injustices it has heaped upon Anwar, his family and the nation.

So, welcome back to the opposition, Anwar! The struggle continues...