Khairy coy over political future following Bersatu’s offer


KUALA LUMPUR: Khairy Jamaluddin is remaining coy on his immediate political plans, saying that “everything is still on the table”.

“I will, in a short period of time, decide and convey my decision,” the former health minister said after a forum on Designing the Future: What is Next for Malaysia organised by UCSI University yesterday.

In his speech, he said he did not want to reveal if he would make a political comeback.

“I am not going to say directly what I am going to do if I am back,” he added.

Following his sacking from Umno in January, the former Rembau MP said he realised that “politics does not define me”.

For now, he said he planned to galvanise young Malaysians into becoming better citizens.

“What I want to do is make a call to action for young Malaysians on how to participate not just in terms of the political process but in securing a sustainable future,” said Khairy, who was defeated in the contest for the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15).

He said his goal was to reach out to those aged between 15 and 17 to make them civic-minded and compassionate.

On the offer by Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for him to join the party, Khairy said that he would give an answer soon.

“I do believe that it is unfair for me to keep people waiting for too long. It will not be too long before I convey my decision to Muhyiddin,” he added.

Last week, Muhyiddin, who is the Perikatan Nasional chairman, offered Khairy a Bersatu supreme council post if he chose to join the party.

On Wednesday, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu advised Khairy not to delay his decision on the offer because “time waits for no man”.

Earlier, Khairy made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming should team up with him to form a new political party.

“The media will then have their headlines tomorrow,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the floor.

“If he (Khairy) is president, I will consider it,” said the DAP member, a forum panellist who did not contest in GE15.

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