KUALA LUMPUR – In a significant moment for the party, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh arrived at the wing’s annual general assembly today accompanied by high-profile figures, including former Umno leaders Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.
Khairy, a former leader of the Youth wing himself, was seen entering the hall at Menara Dato Onn dressed in a traditional white Baju Melayu, appearing comfortable despite his long absence.
This visit marks Khairy’s first time back at the party’s headquarters for a general assembly since he was expelled in January 2023.
His sacking followed allegations of breaching party regulations during the 15th General Election (GE15).
During the 2022 election campaign, Khairy had been a vocal critic of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Tensions peaked when the party leadership assigned him to contest in Sungai Buloh a known stronghold for Pakatan Harapan where he ultimately lost to PKR’s Datuk Seri R. Ramanan by a narrow margin of 2,693 votes.
Since his departure from the political frontline, Khairy has maintained a strong public presence as a radio personality and co-host of the popular podcast Keluar Sekejap.
Rumours of his return to the party began circulating in October, with some reports suggesting that he had received Zahid’s "blessing" to re-enrol as a member.
These speculations were further fuelled yesterday after Khairy shared a photo on social media showing him alongside Zahid during a memorial prayer session for Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.