Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin described Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as gracious during their recent meeting.
In the latest Keluar Sekejap podcast episode, Khairy said he had braced for criticism when submitting a letter to appeal his 2022 sacking.
Gracious Meeting During Ramadan
The meeting unfolded in good spirits during Ramadan and lasted almost two hours.
Zahid spoke extensively about his efforts in Umno and the party’s plans for the next general election.
“I am not asking for any position. I just want to be an ordinary member,” Khairy said.
He assured that his return to Umno would not end the podcast he co-hosts with former Umno Youth information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan.
Rejects Offers from Other Parties
Khairy addressed concerns from certain quarters and political observers about his Umno return.
“Some asked, ‘Why?’, ‘Why do I not want to move on?'”
Since his expulsion from Umno, he did not join any other party despite direct and indirect offers from almost all major parties in Malaysia.
“There’s no need for me to name who or which parties. And I told them: my first choice is to return to Umno,” he said.
Concerns Over Malay Politics Fragmentation
His decision also considered the fragmentation of Malay politics.
“I’m not saying I want to create a monolithic Malay party. No. But when the divisions are too large and too many, we have to accept the reality that Malay political leverage is diminishing, both in perception and reality.”
“Many feel that too many Malay parties are weakening the overall leverage of Malay politics,” he added.
Khairy still believes in Umno’s struggle.
He acknowledged weaknesses and mistakes, especially in the 2018 general election, but stressed the need for improvements.
“I still believe in the solid foundation and bones of Umno, and that we can strengthen and improve the party,” he said.
