KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 2 -- Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reportedly directed his barbs at Umno renegades who temporarily quit the party, saying he is not exactly looking forward to their return.

Although he did not name anyone, the Umno president said that he is currently focusing on strengthening the party - as it has now become "smaller" due to factionalism.

"My goal is to reunite grassroots members. Those who left, please do so for good. Those who 'keluar sekejap', it's fine even if you stay out forever.

"Whoever remains with the party must stay loyal, and they must put the party's interest above their own," he told a Buletin TV3 podcast.

Zahid said today that the party has approved former Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Ra...