[UPDATED] Khairy open to other parties, won’t return to Umno until it changes

KUALA LUMPUR – Fresh from his expulsion from Umno, Khairy Jamaluddin says all options are now on the table as far as joining a new political party is concerned, and that he is currently listening to various offers.

Any return to Umno, however, will depend on whether there is radical change within the party that sacked him on Friday night. This includes changes to the top leadership, Khairy told a radio interview this morning.

Speaking on BFM Radio’s The Breakfast Grille programme, the former Rembau MP said it is still his intention to be actively involved in politics, but noted that any decision he makes will have to be properly considered. 

Drawing parallels between his current situation and football, the former Umno Youth chief said: “I’m like a free transfer. I’m looking for a new club, scanning my options and what makes sense going forward. It’s not a decision I will take lightly.”

Khairy, who was Umno Youth chief from 2008 to 2018, said any new party he joins must be one that is aligned to his vision for the country, which is to be inclusive, progressive and promotes good governance. 

The next party must also be a “comfortable fit” for him and that there must be chemistry. 

“Of course, joining a new party will be awkward at first, as presumably you would have been at loggerheads with the party at some point. But that is politics, about winning over people.” 

Asked if his cordial relationship with PKR’s Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar meant the Pakatan Harapan outfit could be his new home, Khairy said: “I will go and listen to everyone who wants to see me. There’s no shortage of lunch invitations this week.”

“I’m going to listen to what people have to say. But my message is, I’m in no rush to decide. Let me take my time. I will be very open to whoever wants to meet with me.”

He also did not rule out the possibility of contesting in the coming elections in six states, due by this year. 

Khairy’s interview was held just three days after he was given the boot from Umno as part of a massive internal purge to cleanse the party of supposed dissenters. 

Although official reasons were not disclosed, his sacking is believed to be related to remarks calling for party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s resignation after Umno suffered its worst electoral performance since its formation, while accusing the party of losing its way and needing “internal cleansing”. 

Other than Khairy, another high profile leader sacked from Umno was Tan Sri Noh Omar, while Sembrong MP and former party vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and former information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan were among those suspended for six years. 

Umno ‘at point of no return’

Commenting on the possibility of returning to Umno, Khairy said this hinges on the party undergoing an internal overhaul, noting how its “brand equity” and leadership have deteriorated in recent years. 

“I’ve given this question some thought, and I’m not sure. The gradual decline of Umno did not happen overnight or just over the last weekend, and I fear it might have reached a point of no return...I don’t think it can recover itself.”

Whether he will appeal his expulsion, Khairy said: “No, because it means appealing to the same people who unilaterally made this decision. I have discussed with Noh and Shahril. What’s the point of appealing when they are intent on keeping us out?”

He also revealed that since his defeat in Sg Buloh in GE15, he has had a slew of other non-political offers ranging from academic to corporate, and that he will make a decision in due course. 

On Saturday, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim posted on Instagram hinting that Khairy will be given a huge role to play in the state as well as in Johor Darul Ta’zim FC. 

Sharing a friendly photo of himself with Khairy, Tunku Ismail captioned it: “Future JDTFC CEO and Johor Youth adviser.” 

On his ambition of becoming a future prime minister and whether this remains the case despite his dismissal from Umno, Khairy said: “Yes, I do still want to lead the country one day.”

“How will I get there? I don’t know. But I want to make sure the decisions I make in the next few months are based on my vision for the country.” – The Vibes, January 30, 2023