New party: KJ can attract youth, but should not be like Muda - Analyst

SHAH ALAM - The personality of former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is seen as capable of attracting the youth towards joining a new party he may form.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst Professor Sivamurugan Pandian said when Undi18 was introduced, the new group unbound by legacy or history may see it as an alternative and a new option for voters.

USM political analyst Professor Sivamurugan Pandian.

"Khairy is seen as a leader who's apt with the current time. I believe that the existence of alternatives and choices will attract support for him.

"Such matter may influence Khairy's decision to establish a party," he told Sinar on Tuesday.

The former Rembau MP on Monday revealed he considered establishing a new party due to the saturated political market.

Sivamurugan said Khairy must tread carefully to ensure the new party did not face the same situation as Muda who depended on the popularity of its president.

"Muda is still struggling to find new members despite its president Syed Saddiq is seen to have a high profile as an idol to the youth.

"However, if the party's goal is clear, more individuals will likely join Khairy's new party," he said.

He said Khairy's decision to establish a new party must be made carefully based on the existence of many political parties in Malaysia.

"As a former leader without a party, Khairy is free to join or establish any party, but he must adapt to growing the political party's appeal which may cause him to be cautious (in forming a new party).

"There's no doubt that Khairy can attract members and loyal followers regardless of whether they were from Umno based on his personality and he is considered one of the idols and role models among the youth.

"However, I view that establishing a new party at the time could not solely rely on the personality, but its goals must be clear to attract the public," he explained.