KUALA LUMPUR – Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has turned down an offer to join Perikatan Nasional (PN), saying his loyalty rests with Umno.
However, Khairy expressed his gratitude to PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar for offering him a spot in any party within PN, Berita Harian reported.
Despite the offer, the former Rembau MP asserted that he will remain with his current party.
Samsuri, who is also Terengganu menteri besar, had earlier said that PN and PAS were more than willing to accept Khairy should he be ousted from Umno, giving him the liberty to choose any party within the coalition.
He also said that Khairy is a “great” and “open-minded” leader, and was able to carry out his responsibilities with excellence.
Khairy, meanwhile, posted a Facebook story declaring his continued loyalty to Umno.
“Differences of opinion with the leadership and asking for the democratic process to be followed does not mean disloyalty to the party.
“Umno belongs to all its members. Not just the Supreme Council,” he said.
It is understood that Umno is set to hold a Supreme Council meeting tomorrow evening to discuss actions against Khairy.
Previously, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Khairy could face disciplinary action due to his allegations of impropriety over the no-contest motion for the party’s two top posts during its general assembly last month.
Khairy alleged that the voting sessions were rigged, as some delegates were “imported” into the hall to vote in favour of the motion, which saw Zahid and deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan retain their positions uncontested. – The Vibes, January 26, 2023
