Khairy Jamaluddin discusses possible return to Umno with Zahid, source confirms

SHAH ALAM - Former Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin has reportedly expressed his desire to return to the party directly to its President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The matter was revealed by a senior Umno leader close to the former Health Minister, who spoke to Sinar Harian on Thursday.

This follows a recent meeting between Khairy, better known as KJ and the Deputy Prime Minister at the wedding reception of Perlis Umno Chairman Datuk Rozabil Abdul Rahman’s child.

According to the party insider, who holds an important position in Umno Selangor, both he and KJ expressed their intention to Zahid to discuss a possible pathway for Khairy’s return to the party.

However, the source, who requested anonymity, clarified that the discussion was merely verbal and not formalised.

“KJ, Datuk (Zahid) and I did meet at the wedding ceremony (of the Perlis Umno Chairman’s child). We expressed the intention to discuss a way for him to rejoin Umno. No membership forms have been submitted yet. If the party allows it, God willing, he (KJ) will return. As for the rest of the claims, I don’t want to comment,” the source told Sinar Harian when contacted.

Local media had previously reported that Khairy was expected to rejoin Umno before the upcoming Sabah state election (PRN) at the end of next month.

It is believed that Khairy, who is currently a radio host at Hot FM, has already received the blessing of the party’s top leadership, particularly Zahid, to make his comeback.

Zahid was also said to have asked Khairy to formally submit his membership application to rejoin Umno after being expelled in January 2023.

Since his expulsion, Khairy has been actively involved in his podcast platform Keluar Sekejap, which he co-founded and which now boasts over 397,000 subscribers.

Through the platform, Khairy and former Umno Information Chief Shahril Hamdan, whose membership was suspended by the party, share their views on current issues, including politics, economics and international affairs.

The source, who previously served as one of Khairy’s senior officers, admitted being surprised by speculation that the former Rembau MP might be offered the Kepala Batas parliamentary seat, once held by his father-in-law, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16).

The insider also dismissed claims that Khairy had been assigned to assist the Barisan Nasional (BN) machinery for the upcoming Sabah state polls.

“KJ did meet the President to discuss his possible return to Umno. But regarding claims that he was offered the Kepala Batas seat or tasked to help with the Sabah state election, I don’t know where that information came from. KJ met and paid his respects to the President as an elder figure.

"I myself had previously conveyed KJ’s intention to Umno’s Executive Secretary, Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan and the President’s special officer. Everything now depends on the party,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican acknowledged that Khairy remained loyal to the party despite being sacked last year.

Reezal Merican, who is also the Kepala Batas Umno Division Chief, said it is entirely up to the former Umno Youth Chief to decide his political direction moving forward.

He also confirmed his presence at the same wedding event in Perlis, which brought Khairy and Zahid together last week.

“I was at the wedding ceremony and I sat with him (KJ). One thing I can say is that Khairy’s love and loyalty are only for Umno. That, I can confirm.

"But as for whether he will officially rejoin, that’s not my decision to make; it’s up to the top leadership and the Supreme Council. I can’t speak ahead of them," he was quoted as saying by a news portal on Thursday.