PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) and Bersatu stand a good chance of capturing Selangor and Negri Sembilan if former UMNO man Khairy Jamaluddin contests in the forthcoming state polls under the party’s ticket, said Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
The Bersatu Youth chief, in an interview with Utusan Malaysia, said Khairy’s presence can create a new wave among young voters especially those who remain on the fence to give their votes to PN and thus, wrest both states from Pakatan Harapan (PH).
The Machang MP said they were willing to give way to Khairy in any Selangor or Negri Sembilan state seat if the sacked UMNO leader is interested in joining Bersatu.
“UMNO sees Khairy as a burden, but in Bersatu we consider him an asset who is capable of creating a new wave in the country’s political arena. So, we are willing to accept Khairy if he accepts our proposal,” he was quoted as saying by the Malay daily.
“An offer to join Bersatu? Party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had said earlier on that Khairy is more than welcome to join the party. But whether Khairy will consider the offer or not, you will have to ask him.”
Speaking to journalists during a Concorde Club meeting on Monday (Feb 6), Khairy had revealed that he is mulling offers to run for public office in Selangor.
He said he has been made “several offers”, including the menteri besar post, although he did not disclose which party had offered him the post.
Khairy was given the boot from UMNO on Jan 28, and while no official reason was given for his sacking, it is understood that he was axed due to the disparaging remarks he had made against the party leadership during the 15th general election (GE15) campaign.
When quizzed about his recent meeting with Khairy, Wan Fayhsal declined to comment but said the public can gauge the former health minister’s statement about contesting in Selangor for themselves.
He elaborated that in the meeting, Khairy had been upfront about having discussions with several parties and that there were talks going on about the offer.
“PN and Bersatu are certainly ready to let Khairy contest either in Selangor or Negri Sembilan,” he stressed.
Wan Fayhsal also shot down claims that PN was so short on quality leaders that the coalition was willing to accept “outsiders” like Khairy.
“Politics is akin to a football match where we need to import foreign players to help us win. The same goes for Khairy; to UMNO he has become obsolete but to PN, he remains an asset for the future of Malaysia,” he said. – Feb 8, 2023
Main pics credit: Bernama
