SEREMBAN - Former Rembau Member of Parliament Khairy Jamaluddin admitted he personally prefers serving as a party machinery member to aid the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign rather than running as a candidate.
He said this role allowed him to move around more freely to assist campaigns across various areas, instead of focusing on just one constituency.
However, he noted that the decision rested entirely with the party leadership.
"Any decision regarding candidate selection falls under Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. We should not preempt the decision of the top leadership.
"But personally, I would rather be part of the standard machinery for the Negeri Sembilan state election instead of being a candidate, especially since I have only just rejoined Umno," he told reporters after officiating the Seremban Umno Division Youth and Puteri Delegates Conference here on Sunday.
Previously, media reports confirmed that Khairy and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein — two former Umno leaders who were previously suspended and sacked — had officially rejoined the party without conditions following an Umno Supreme Council meeting in April.
Khairy previously held the Rembau parliamentary seat for three terms before making way for Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to contest.
Meanwhile, Khairy noted that looking at the current political landscape, Barisan Nasional tended to favour contesting solo in Negeri Sembilan.
However, he understood that the party leadership might hold a different view or formula.
"I feel we are more inclined to contest solo in Negeri Sembilan. However, we understand the top leadership may have other perspectives, and we must remain open if there is a different formula.
"But in terms of preference, I think it leans more towards going solo," he said.