Ex-Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin Describes Emotional Return to Party Assembly

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15: Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, popularly known as KJ, described his attendance at the Umno annual general assembly on Thursday as “an extremely emotional day” following a two-year absence from the party’s events.

Khairy, who was sacked from UMNO in 2023 for violating party discipline, said he had sought permission from UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to attend the youth assembly.

“We met during the tahlil prayers for the late Tun Abdul Razak yesterday, and after greeting him, I asked whether I am permitted to attend. I told him I would only come if allowed, and I have to thank Datuk Seri (Ahmad Zahid) for permitting this,” Khairy told reporters.

He emphasized the personal significance of returning to the assembly. “It has been an extremely emotional day for me as I am able to return to my party’s assembly,” he added.

When questioned about the possibility of rejoining UMNO, Khairy said he would take a cautious approach. “Today, I returned as an observer, and following this, we will do what is necessary,” he said.