Khairy has been critical of Umno, let's see if he will rebel, says Hannah Yeoh

Khairy Jamaluddin. -Star filepic

PUTRAJAYA: All eyes will be on Khairy Jamaluddin after several senior Umno leaders announced their departure from the party, says Hannah Yeoh.

The Wanita DAP vice-chairman said the Rembau MP and former Umno Youth Chief was “the only one in Umno who talks sense” and therefore could be the next one to rebel.

“Now, everybody is waiting to see what KJ will do next. As we have seen, he has been very critical of Umno.

"Recently, there was a parliament walkout but only Khairy and Anifah stayed,” said Yeoh to reporters, when asked about the recent exodus of Umno leaders.

On Wednesday (Sept 19), senior Umno leader and former foreign minister, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, announced his resignation from the party.

The announcement came less than 24 hours after Umno supreme council member and former minister for international trade and industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad, quit the party.

Rumours are rife that more Umno leaders are expected to follow suit.

Yeoh said it was “normal” for people in politics to quit and leave parties.

“People will leave their parties when they feel that their own agenda is no longer the same with the party, or when they feel that the party will not change,” said Yeoh, who is Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister.

She said any politicians looking to join Pakatan Harapan to gain positions in the government should think twice.

“Since May 9, many including those aligned to Barisan Nasional have tried to join Pakatan.

“For us to accept them, it depends on whether they want to join because they share the same ideology, or whether they want positions.

“I can tell them that in Malaysia Baru, you cannot get contracts or positions, so they better ask themselves first why they want to join us,” said Yeoh.

Yeoh added that it is more important for Malaysia to have a strong opposition than a strong government.