KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 21 -- Umno will require all applications from former members in Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) seeking to return to the party to be vetted by its supreme working council, as the debate over defections intensifies amid Bersatu's deepening internal crisis.

According to The Star, Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said any re-entry bid falls squarely within the council's jurisdiction because it touches on national-level party policy.

"If there are applications from Bersatu members to rejoin Umno, the final decision must be made by the council," he said.

"This is a national issue involving party policies and the positions of party members.

The council is scheduled to meet next Thursday (February 26...