Mohamad Ezam and the Art of War:

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance. By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, he keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose.

- SUN TZU

Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor, former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth leader and one-time confidant of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, today rejoined Umno.

He handed his application form and a RM100 fee for life membership to Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at a news conference at Parliament House here.

"No conditions are attached to Exam's readmission (into Umno). He does not get any special treatment or privileges. He has also not sought any position. He just wants to serve and struggle for the party," he told reporters.

Abdullah said there was no objection from the Umno Supreme Council to Exam's readmission into Umno.


When someone asked how Umno could take Ezam back as he had been highly critical of the party in the past, the PM said, "Mungkin dia insaf (he has repented)."

As for the other questions -- Will Ezam be contesting in the party elections at the end of the year? What can he bring to the party this time round? What is his agenda? – well, only time or the man himself can tell.

Wong Chun Wai:"Breaking news: Ezam back into Umno"

There has been talk that Ezam would be made a Senator but it is unlikely to happen. At least, in the near future. Ezam is likely to channel his energy to reform Umno. Ezam, a one time confidante of Anwar Ibrahim, is said to have left PKR after a bitter feud with Azmin Ali.

After quitting PKR, Ezam made the fight against corruption as his political platform, landing himself into trouble with the authorities numerous times. It would be interesting to see how he intend to continue his struggle in Umno if he is serious about fighting corruption. Is it a mission impossible for him? What kind of role is he expected to play or can he play?