Khairy: “Too Early” to Talk Seats as He Eyes Umno Comeback

KEPALA BATAS:  Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has brushed aside speculation about a potential return to electoral politics, saying discussions about contesting parliamentary seats are premature as he focuses on rejoining Umno.

Khairy, who previously served as Umno Youth chief, emphasized that his immediate priority is completing the process of re-entering the party, rather than engaging in debates over constituency placements.

“I think it’s too early to talk about which seat I will contest. I’ve only just applied to rejoin Umno,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican on Friday.

He stressed that decisions regarding candidates under Barisan Nasional (BN) would ultimately rest with the coalition’s top leadership, led by chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Addressing speculation about the Kepala Batas parliamentary seat, Khairy expressed support for Reezal Merican, voicing hope that the former minister would be able to reclaim the constituency.

“As far as Kepala Batas is concerned, I wish Reezal all the best. I hope he wins back the seat,” he said, noting that such an outcome would align with the wishes of the late former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Khairy added that he intends to take a measured, step-by-step approach in determining his political future, including whether he will contest in the next general election.

In the previous general election, Reezal lost the Kepala Batas seat to PAS candidate Siti Mastura Muhammad in a four-cornered contest, marking a significant shift in the constituency’s political landscape.