Bringing Khairy Jamaluddin back into Umno folds more into political survival for the ex-health minister and the party than pure reconciliation, analysts say.
International Islamic University Malaysia’s Syaza Shukri notes Khairy faces slim options after his January 2023 expulsion for party breaches.
His comeback would lift Umno, as the three-term Rembau MP keeps appeal with key voter groups and freshens the party’s look before GE16.
Public signs point to Khairy rejoining and teaming with president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, she told FMT.
Better inside than out challenging Umno openly.
For Khairy, Umno remains his natural home; PKR does not fit an Umno man at heart.
He draws certain demographics and stands as a next-gen leader, making his return a plus for the party.
Politics is about elections and wins, Syaza added.
She foresees an informal deal where Khairy avoids direct challenges to Zahid for now.
Berita Harian reported Thursday, citing a source, that Khairy will re-enter Umno before next month’s Sabah polls with Zahid’s approval.
Barisan Nasional eyes fielding him in Kepala Batas for GE16, a seat long held by his late father-in-law Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan says Khairy needs Umno more than it needs him.
His podcast Keluar Sekejap and brand roles fall short for his ambitions.
Regaining grassroots trust will prove tough with Zahid now stronger since the expulsion.
Khairy must blend back to win over members, Azmi said.
Khairy had slammed Zahid before the 2022 polls, especially over the Sungai Buloh candidacy in a Pakatan stronghold.
Umno’s worst showing then led Khairy to demand Zahid’s resignation as president.
Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi views Khairy’s return as a sign of limited paths, with Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional fading.
He likely spots internal fights in those camps and prefers Umno before others lock in power.
Zahid will welcome him despite past barbs to strengthen Umno for GE16, Awang Azman said.
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