FORMER Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin has expressed interest in contesting in the Selangor state polls, adding that he has a few months to decide his options.
Speaking to journalists during a Concorde Club meeting yesterday, the former UMNO Youth chief said he has been made “several offers”, including the menteri besar post, although he did not disclose which party had offered him the post.
The Concorde Club is a monthly informal meeting of senior editors which meets with political leaders and key policy makers.
“There are discussions with several parties and there are also discussions taking place on what that role would be,” he was reported as saying by The Star.
Khairy also said he will only be interested in contesting in the upcoming Selangor state polls if he decides on making an immediate political comeback.
“But if I do decide to sit out the state polls, then I would have more time to decide which political platform I choose as the next chapter in my political journey.”
According to Khairy, state-level experience would complement his current skill set, as he already had experience as a former three-term Rembau MP and from his time leading three different ministries.
“It (state experience) would help me understand local government, as well as the relationship between the federal and state government,” he asserted.
“So, I do feel it’s a good opportunity. But then, I have to weigh whether I have the appetite to jump back in.”
The term of the Selangor state assembly will expire automatically on Aug 26.
Meanwhile, Khairy also dismissed the possibility of creating a new political party, adding that the political scene in the country was saturated, and there is little room for another new party.
“I think we have reached a point where our political market is too crowded. So even though it is a choice, but it is unlikely [that I will create a new party].”
On Jan 28, UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan announced the suspension and sacking of several UMNO leaders.
Other than Khairy, former Selangor chapter chief Tan Sri Noh Omar was also given the boot from the party.
While no official reason was given for his sacking, it is understood that he was sacked due to disparaging remarks he made against the party leadership during the GE15 campaign.
Those who were given a six-year suspension include Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the party’s former information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan and former supreme council member Datuk Fathul Bari Mat Jahya. – Feb 7, 2023
Main pic credit: Berita Harian
