Khairy yet to respond to Bersatu's membership offer

KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia has yet to hear from Khairy Jamaluddin on their offer to him to join the party.

The Opposition party said that if Khairy – who was sacked by Umno – accepted their offer, he could be nominated in the upcoming state polls.

Citing Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris, Malay language daily Utusan Malaysia reported that the invitation was extended to Khairy from party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after Khairy's expulsion from Umno in January 2023.

"In the meeting, he (Muhyiddin) offered Khairy to run on Bersatu's ticket in the state elections if he was still interested in politics.

"However, there were a number of conditions set, including for him to submit a membership application form to Bersatu and the seat he contests will be determined by the Perikatan Nasional leadership," Razali was quoted as saying.

He added that Khairy had asked for some time to think it over but did not disclose how long he woudl take.

Razali said he would personally welcome the former Umno Youth chief as a Bersatu member as long as he abides by the party's decision where to field him.

Khairy was Rembau MP for three terms since 2008, but was fielded by Umno in Sungai Buloh, Selangor for GE15 in November 2022, where he lost to Pakatan Harapan's Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan.

Khairy was sacked from Umno in January this year along with 44 others for criticising the party leadership.

He later said he would not appeal the decision.

The former youth and sports minister has since received a plethora of offers, ranging from politics and academics to corporate offers, he said in a radio interview in January.

Khairy had said he was vetting all his options as a free agent.

Razali also said Bersatu would welcome any former Umno leader who could strengthen them.

"As we all know, many Umno leaders have been expelled. If they are able to further strengthen Bersatu, there is no harm in them joining," he said.