KJ weighs options as offers pour in

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite an array of career offers, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin still feels for politics but is unsure when will be the comeback.

He also did not rule out contesting in the upcoming state elections.

The former Umno youth chief said he started receiving offers after failing to win the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat during the 15th General Election and after being sacked from his party last Friday.

“They range from political and academic to corporate offers.

“It is not a decision I will make lightly. I still want to be involved in politics but I am unsure when I will make a comeback to the front of the line,” he said on BFM Radio’s Breakfast Grille programme yesterday.

Khairy said he was open to listening to offers but they should be a good fit and there must be chemistry.

It also has to be something that is aligned with his vision for the country.

“One that is inclusive, based on good governance and is progressive.

“Joining a new political party will be awkward at first as presumably you would have been at loggerheads at some point with opposing parties, but that is what politics is about.

“That is something I am up for, winning people over.

“It must, however, align with my vision and not just be an opportunistic decision,” he said.

When asked about his chummy relationship with PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Khairy said he would listen to everyone who wanted to meet with him.

“I am not short of lunch invites. Looks like I will not be paying for lunch these next two weeks,” he joked.

Khairy said he would see what everyone had to say to him.

“There is no rush to decide. I am in a listening mode right now as to what others have to say,” he said.

He did not rule out the possibility of contesting in the upcoming elections in six states this year as well.

Commenting on the possibility of eventually returning to Umno, Khairy said he feared the gradual decline of Umno might have reached the point of no return.

“I’ve given this question some thought, and I am not sure.

“The gradual decline of Umno did not happen overnight or just over the last weekend.

“If I do contemplate returning to Umno, it has to be different from the Umno of today.

“The brand and leadership has deteriorated and I am not sure it will be able to resuscitate itself,” he said.

Khairy also said he would not be appealing against his sacking.

“No, because it means appealing to the same people who unilaterally made this decision.

“What’s the point of appealing when they are the ones that made the decision?” he said.

When asked if his aspiration to someday become prime minister was still intact, he said yes.

“I would like to have the privilege of leading the country some day. Right now, I am not sure how that will happen but I know being a politician is not a linear path.

“There are many paths people go down before they reach there and I still want to lead the country one day.

“How I will get there I do not know but I want to ensure the decisions I make in the next few months are based on a vision of a country I am happy and comfortable with,” he said.