FORMER UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin is anticipated to rejoin the party at a branch in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, marking a notable return to active party involvement after his dismissal in January 2023.
UMNO’s Selangor Liaison Body Chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin confirmed that the party welcomed Khairy’s participation under the ‘Rumah Bangsa’ initiative.
“We receive with an open heart his renewed interest in returning to active involvement in UMNO. There is certainly a role we can assign to him to help restore the strength of UMNO in Selangor,” Megat Zulkarnain said today.
Khairy recently submitted a letter of appeal to UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi seeking reinstatement. Zahid confirmed receiving the letter during a meeting two nights ago.
In January 2023, UMNO expelled Khairy alongside former Sembrong Division Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and former Deputy Youth Chief Shahril Hamdan. Former Tebrau Division Chief Datuk Maulizan Bujang also faced suspension.
Addressing speculation over whether Khairy would be allocated a parliamentary seat to attract young voters in the next General Election, Megat Zulkarnain clarified that Khairy does not intend to make any such demands.
“In the meeting with Ahmad Zahid, I clearly heard him state that he does not wish to request anything, let alone claim any position upon his return to UMNO.
“This includes not seeking a seat to contest in the upcoming election. His focus is on how he can contribute with his extensive experience as former UMNO Youth Chief,” he said.
Megat Zulkarnain expressed confidence that Khairy would play a pivotal role in strengthening UMNO and boosting public confidence.
“There was no discussion of demands; that was not a primary concern in the meeting. He has fully entrusted decisions to the wisdom of the President.
“To my knowledge, the only request he made was to have his previous membership number reinstated. Whether he contests an election or not is not the measure; what matters most is how he can return to assist UMNO in preparing for the polls,” Megat Zulkarnain added. - March 17, 2026
