SEREMBAN: Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin says he would rather campaign for Barisan Nasional than contest in the Aug 1 Negri Sembilan state election.
The former health minister stated that his preference was to support the coalition from the sidelines rather than enter the fray.
He also noted that candidate selection ultimately rests with Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and he has no intention of pre-empting the leadership's final decision.
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"Personally, I would rather be a normal campaigner for this state election and not a candidate.
"Since I have just returned to Umno, I feel I can contribute better by helping out in the campaigns or giving speeches," he told reporters after opening the Seremban Umno Youth and Puteri meetings on Sunday (July 5).
Khairy said being a campaigner would give him more freedom to move about.
"If I am made a candidate, I will only be able to focus one one place.
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"So I am okay with not being nominated as a candidate as this will allow me to help our candidates in several constituencies," he said.
Asked if his preference was to contest a parliamentary seat, Khairy said it was too early to talk about the general election.
Khairy has been on the ground campaigning for the party in the upcoming Johor state election.
Polling in Johor is set for July 11.
