SEREMBAN, July 5 -- Suspended or sacked former Umno leaders must set aside their egos if they still care for the party, Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh reportedly said.

Sinar Harian quoted him saying Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had expressed his willingness to accept appeal letters from those affected by disciplinary actions.

"We need them. As I said earlier, Umno belongs to everyone and must be united again," he said, referring to suspended or sacked Umno leaders.

"But on one condition - everyone must set aside their ego, love the party, and God willing, Umno will grow stronger," he added.

Dr Akmal said he was ready to act as a bridge to bring back suspended leaders Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Khairy Ja...