PETALING JAYA: Former Umno Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, admits that he has not joined any political party despite receiving various offers, as he still has affection for his former party.
According to Khairy, he continues to consider himself an Umno member, even though he was expelled from the party in January 2023.
“Since my expulsion, I haven’t joined any party, even though offers have been made. Almost every party, officially or unofficially, has approached me, but I’ve declined.
“I was even given the opportunity to stand as a candidate during the state election, but I didn’t accept it, because, in my heart, I still see myself as an Umno member.
“I didn’t leave Umno; I was expelled, and to this day, I’m not entirely sure why I was expelled,” he said during the Keluar Sekejap podcast on Friday, reported by Sinar Harian.
On Nov 25, it was reported that Umno’s Supreme Council unanimously decided to reinstate and lift the suspension of Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s membership, effective immediately.
Following this, Umno President, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said that the party is open to welcoming back former Umno leaders who were previously expelled.
Commenting further, Khairy said that he does not see this as an opportunity to return to politics just to secure a position.
“Instead, my return to Umno must come with a commitment from all involved parties... the current leadership and myself, to adhere to party discipline.
“However, my idealism is to see a transformed Umno—better, more relevant, fresh, and with integrity. If my return is merely to be a follower, I’m not interested.
“If they can accept me as someone who remains loyal to the party but has my ideals... not to oppose anyone, but because I have dreams for Umno to become better,” he said.
