UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that he has not received any letter of appeal from Khairy Jamaluddin regarding the latter’s expulsion from the party in 2023.
“I haven’t received it yet,” Zahid replied curtly when asked by reporters whether Khairy had submitted a letter appealing the decision.
Zahid was speaking after attending a closed-door Budget 2026 Dialogue Session organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).
His comments follow speculation that Khairy, a former UMNO Youth Chief and Health Minister, had recently submitted an appeal through an aide. The rumour gained traction amid discussions on potential political comebacks ahead of the next general election.
Khairy was expelled from UMNO in January 2023 alongside Tan Sri Noh Omar, following a decision by the party’s Supreme Council (MKT). The expulsion was based on allegations of sabotaging UMNO’s campaign during the 15th General Election (GE15).
At the same time, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and three other party leaders were suspended for six years.
Khairy, widely known as "KJ", has not made any public comment confirming whether an appeal has in fact been lodged. - Sept 4, 2025