Umno Supreme Council member Reezal Merican Naina Merican has revealed that Khairy Jamaluddin retains deep affection for the party, two years after his expulsion.
The former health minister and three-term Rembau MP was sacked in January 2023 for disciplinary breaches during the 15th general election.
Reezal shared that he met Khairy last week at a wedding banquet in Perlis, also attended by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“I sat with him. One thing is clear: Khairy still carries a lot of love for Umno,” Reezal told FMT. “I can confirm that.”
Return Still Uncertain
Reezal, who heads Kepala Batas Umno, declined to comment on reports of Khairy’s potential return.
“That decision rests with the top leadership and Supreme Council. It’s not for me to lead,” he said.
A Berita Harian report claimed Khairy would rejoin Umno before next month’s Sabah state election, with Zahid’s reported blessing.
However, an Umno source told FMT that no formal application from Khairy has been received.
Kepala Batas Comeback?
Barisan Nasional is reportedly considering fielding Khairy in Kepala Batas, a seat once held by his late father-in-law, former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
BN lost the long-time Umno stronghold in GE15, with PAS candidate Siti Mastura Muhammad defeating Reezal by 2867 votes.
Reezal avoided speculation on Khairy’s candidacy but expressed hope that efforts to bring him back would succeed.
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