FORMER Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has remained tight-lipped despite persistent questions over the possibility of rejoining UMNO, stating that he will make an announcement on the matter in the near future.
"When the time comes, I will inform," he said when asked whether he had submitted an application to return to the party.
Earlier media reports noted that Khairy had requested several weeks before responding publicly to speculation about his intentions to rejoin UMNO. He reportedly needed the time due to the numerous enquiries he had received on the subject.
UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently confirmed that no discussions had taken place regarding Khairy’s potential return, though he did not deny circulating rumours about it.
Khairy also clarified that his appearance at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on Friday was unrelated to his potential return to UMNO. Instead, he said he attended to support the National Roundtable Discussion 1.0: Reforming the Education System in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Empowering Teacher Institutions, organised by UMNO’s Youth wing.
"This programme today is not a political event, but one related to education, organised by Pemuda UMNO. I was once the Chief of UMNO Youth, so I came to help make the programme a success. I thank Pemuda UMNO and its Chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, for inviting me to share views on national education system issues," said the former Rembau MP.
Melaka’s EXCO for Rural Development, Agriculture and Security Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh emphasised that UMNO is open to welcoming back any leader whose membership was suspended, terminated, or who had joined another party.
He said the party would use established channels and procedures to facilitate the process.
"Your participation is most welcome. UMNO has never prevented any leader from meeting members, even those subjected to disciplinary action.
“I have personally met Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, and Khairy without facing any action. Even in the UMNO Supreme Council, there was never any issue with such meetings. This demonstrates UMNO’s openness.
“To lead UMNO today, we need to move past old disputes, unite, and reconnect. What matters is that UMNO can be brought forward, insya-Allah," he said. - November 7, 2025
