FORMER UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has said that discussing issues and interests related to the Malay community is not a wrongdoing, but rather a reflection of Malaysia’s political landscape.
Khairy said every political party, whether multiracial or representing a specific community, would naturally raise issues that are closely connected to the people they represent.
He said it was therefore unfair for discussions on Malay interests to be immediately labelled as attempts to exploit racial sentiments.
“Is it wrong when we talk about our own community? I believe all political parties, regardless of whether they are multiracial parties or parties representing specific communities, will certainly raise issues that are important to the people they represent.
“That does not mean it carries racial elements. If we talk about the interests of Malays, Chinese school education or Indian workers in plantation areas, for example, is that wrong? I do not think so,” he said.
Khairy was speaking to reporters after attending the “Lepak Pemimpin: Economy, Branding Power, Influence and Storytelling” forum held in conjunction with CTOS SME Biz Day Penang in Geoge Town today.
He was responding to remarks by Pakatan Harapan (PH) Communications Director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who accused him of using Malay and Islamic issues to revive his political influence after rejoining UMNO.
Fahmi had said Khairy’s remarks linking possible understanding between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) as a signal for PH to be more sensitive towards Malay concerns were unsurprising.
Khairy, however, defended his position, saying that while he was with UMNO, it was his responsibility as a leader representing the party to voice concerns affecting the Malay community.
“At that time, I represented UMNO and I was speaking on behalf of the Malay community and their concerns. I do not think there was anything wrong with that.
“We also do not blame other parties when they raise issues involving the Chinese or Indian communities. That is normal because this is the reality of politics in Malaysia,” he said. - July 28, 2026
