Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming has pledged to take leave from his academic role to campaign for ex-Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin in the coming general election.
Khairy’s political return remains uncertain.
Birthday Tribute and Firm Pledge
Ong shared this commitment in an Instagram birthday message to Khairy, who turned 50 today. He described Khairy as one of the few he views as a friend and brother in politics’ tough arena.
“I don’t know what the next decade holds for Khairy,” Ong wrote. “But I do know that I will take leave from work to publicly campaign for KJ, regardless of his party affiliation, at the next general election.”
He added that if Khairy becomes prime minister, he would eagerly seek a cabinet position, should Khairy deem him suitable.
Enduring Friendship Post-Politics
The pair have stayed close since stepping back from frontline politics.
Khairy faced dismissal from Umno in 2023 for breaching party rules during the 15th general election. Ong chose not to contest that poll and returned to academia.
Shared Efforts Across Divides
Despite past rivalries—Ong from DAP and Khairy from Umno—they teamed up on key issues. These included the Sports Development (Amendment) Act 2018 and Operation Surge Capacity, which delivered at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose to Klang Valley residents. Khairy served as health minister from 2021 to 2022.
In 2023, reports noted Khairy’s light-hearted suggestion, post-sacking, that they form a new party together. Ong replied he would join only if Khairy led it as president.
Three years back, Ong had voiced belief that Khairy possessed prime minister potential.
