Khir Toyo plans political comeback, says winning Sg Besar Umno chief post his first step

KLANG: Former Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo is planning a political comeback after being absent from the scene for more than a decade.

He said his initial move is to take on incumbent Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos in the party polls on March 18.

Dr Khir said this would be his first step.

"After that, I have to win the Sungai Panjang state assembly seat," he said, adding that this was his main priority.

Dr Khir was Selangor mentri besar from 2000 to 2008 before Pakatan Harapan took over the state.

The three-term Sungai Panjang assemblyman was found guilty of abuse of power in 2015 and jailed for a year.

He was granted parole after serving six months at the Kajang Prison.

According to Dr Khir, people in the area still welcome him warmly when he visits.

"I go there every day and even though I am greeted warmly by the residents, I believe there is a need to strengthen ties," he added.

Meanwhile, Jamal said he welcomed Dr Khir's challenge for Sungai Besar division chief.

"There is no issue at all. We practice healthy democracy and any one can contest, provided they adhere to the rules and guidelines.

"I have done a lot of work in Sungai Besar but at the end of the day, it is up to the almost 780 delegates to make the final decision," said Jamal, who lost in his bid to win the Sungai Besar parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election.