Umno division leaders are at odds on whether or not to allow former PKR Youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor to rejoin the party.

Those in favour say Ezam should return as Umno is the only true vehicle to provide development and unity for the nation. Those against, argue that the party does not need him.

Contacted today, Selangor Umno Youth chief Abdul Syukur Idrus said Ezam is not needed because the party is resilient, as proven in the 2004 elections.

"Umno is strong enough. Whether Ezam rejoins or not, it will not affect the party," he said, adding that if the top leaders accept him, then he will not object.

"But he should go through the procedure, just like anybody else," he said.

He said Umno members have not forgotten how Ezam, while in PKR, had criticised Umno and its leaders. He even lodged reports against Umno leaders.

No agendas

Lumut division chief Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said Ezam must be "sincere and have no agendas" if he chooses to rejoin Umno.

He said Umno members and leaders do not want Ezam to rejoin with the intention of ruining the party from within.

"Umno needs to vet Ezam thoroughly before accepting him again. This has been done to all former Umno members who fought the party, but chose to rejoin later," he said.

Zambry said Umno will not bar Ezam from re-entering but will take the necessarily precautions to safeguard itself.

Meanwhile. Labis Umno division chief Sulaiman Taha said Ezam should rejoin Umno "for the betterment and unity of the Malays."

"But Umno needs to find out why Ezam, who was so critical against Umno, wants to leave PKR. What has made him interested in rejoining Umno and why only now has he decided to leave PKR," he said.

No faith

On Tuesday, Ezam said he quit PKR because he no longer had faith in its de facto leader and former Umno deputy president Anwar Ibrahim.

Ezam was Anwar's former political secretary when the latter was deputy prime minister. Anwar was sacked in 1998 and this paved the way to the creation of PKR.

However, Ezam now described Anwar as a "weak leader" who is being "controlled" by party-vice president Azmin Ali.

In response, Azmin said he had expected Ezam to quit and that the latter "has a game plan."

PKR leaders later played down Ezam's departure, saying it will have no effect on the party.