Khairy Jamaluddin Considering Return to Umno Ahead of Sabah Election
Petalings Jaya: A recent development suggests that former federal minister Khairy Jamaluddin may be set to rejoin the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) before the upcoming Sabah state election. This information was shared by a source, indicating that Khairy has received the approval of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to return to the party.
The news came to light during the wedding of Perlis Umno chief Rozabil Abdul Rahman’s daughter, where both Khairy and Zahid were present. According to the source, Zahid personally encouraged Khairy to submit his membership application to rejoin Umno.
This potential return is expected to play a significant role in supporting Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) in their campaign for the Sabah state polls. The source added that this could be attributed to the fact that many of the candidates nominated by BN are friends of Khairy or part of his age group.
In addition, there are discussions within BN about fielding Khairy as a candidate for the Kepala Batas parliamentary seat in the next general election (GE16). Currently held by PAS's Siti Mastura Muhammad, Kepala Batas was previously represented by the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was the former prime minister and Khairy's father-in-law, from 1978 to 2013.
The BN lost this Umno stronghold for the first time in the 15th general election (GE15) in November 2022. Siti Mastura defeated former minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican by a margin of 2,867 votes.
Current Status of Khairy's Membership Application
Despite these developments, an Umno source mentioned that the party has not yet received Khairy's application to rejoin. Khairy, who served as the former health minister and three-term Rembau MP, was removed from Umno in January 2023 for violating party discipline during GE15.
His criticism of Zahid in the lead-up to the election was particularly notable, especially after BN decided to field him in the urban Pakatan Harapan stronghold of Sungai Buloh. Khairy ultimately lost the contest to PKR's R Ramanan by 2,693 votes.
Following BN's poor performance in GE15, which marked its worst electoral result to date, Khairy called for Zahid to step down as Umno president. He also declined to appeal his removal, stating that it would be futile since the same individuals who wanted him out remained within the party.
However, in July, Khairy expressed openness to considering Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh's offer to assist in facilitating his return to the party. This indicates a possible shift in his stance, although no formal steps have been taken yet.
Implications for Umno and BN
Khairy's potential return could have significant implications for Umno and BN, especially given his previous influence and connections within the party. His involvement could help strengthen BN's presence in key constituencies and potentially improve their chances in future elections.
As the Sabah state election approaches, the political landscape is closely watched, with various parties and leaders vying for support. Khairy's possible return adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political dynamics in Malaysia.
With the possibility of his rejoining Umno, the coming months will be crucial in determining how this development unfolds and what impact it may have on the broader political scene.