Khairy’s political future still tied to Umno, say analysts

Khairy’s political future still tied to Umno, say analysts

PETALING JAYA: Khairy Jamaluddin’s reported appeal to rejoin Umno was likely motivated by his assessment that no other party offers a genuine fit for his political ambitions, say analysts.

Universiti Malaya’s Tawfik Yaakub said Khairy may feel that only through Umno can he climb the political ladder as no other party truly fits his ideals and identity.

“In my view, KJ has not been able to ‘move on’ and believes only Umno can provide him with the platform to rise and secure a brighter political future.

“He may have considered other parties during his time away, but none resonated with his political spirit as much as Umno,” Tawfik told FMT.

He added that while Khairy can pursue various activities to sustain his personal life, his political survival still depends on Umno.

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Tawfik was commenting on reports that Khairy recently submitted an appeal letter over his January 2023 expulsion through his aide.

However, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party had yet to receive Khairy’s appeal letter.

Meanwhile, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara noted that although Khairy remains popular through his Keluar Sekejap podcast and radio appearances, his political career remains adrift.

“Yes, he is still popular but that popularity carries little weight in politics. At this stage, Umno is the best platform for him to make a political comeback.

“That is why there is talk of him wanting to return. It is essentially a way of testing the waters to gauge the response of Umno’s leadership and grassroots,” Azmi said.

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Azmi agreed that Khairy needs Umno more than Umno needs him, but stressed the relationship is still mutually beneficial.

“Umno needs figures like him, who is seen as more intellectual and vocal. He is quite different from leaders like Dr Akmal Saleh, who is sometimes viewed as rash on certain issues.

“At the same time, KJ needs a party like Umno to extend his political career. I think the current leadership is stable enough to accommodate a vocal voice like his,” he added.

Khairy, the former health minister and three-term Rembau MP, was sacked from Umno in January 2023 for breaching party discipline during the 15th general election (GE15).

Since then, the former health minister has been active in the corporate and media world, while remaining an outspoken commentator on national politics and governance.