Anwar 'makes return' at Umno AGM, remembers party song

Anwar Ibrahim attended an Umno general assembly today, more than two decades after he was expelled from the party.

This time around, Anwar was not a party member but a guest of honour for the opening ceremony of the event in his capacity as the prime minister.

When asked how it felt after returning to the Umno general assembly for the first time in 25 years, Anwar said that fulfilling his duties to the country was more important than his personal experience with the party.

"Personal experiences are important but the interest of the people and country takes precedence.

"I am attending (the general assembly) again on the unity government platform. We want to make the government stronger and bring more benefit to the rakyat," he said before leaving the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Feel comfortable

Anwar told reporters he was in familiar territory and jokingly said he still memorised the lyrics to Umno's party song.

"Of course, I feel comfortable and familiar with this atmosphere. (I even still) remember the party song," he said.

Anwar was dressed in light blue, reflecting the colours of his party PKR. He was seen singing the Umno song when during a ceremony to hoist the party flag.

Another expelled Umno member, Mohd Shafie Apdal, was also in attendance. Shafie was expelled in 2016 and now leads Warisan.

"It's been almost 10 years. I feel normal," he told reporters curtly.

The Umno general assembly kicked off today and will end on Sunday.

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