Bersatu, Gerakan invite KJ to join as member
Two Perikatan Nasional parties have indicated readiness to welcome former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin less than 24 hours since he was sacked from Umno for breaching party discipline during the 15th general election.
Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin reportedly said Khairy, along with other sacked Umno leaders, could submit their applications for deliberation by the party’s supreme council.
“Khairy is a smart man...
Two Perikatan Nasional parties have indicated readiness to welcome former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin less than 24 hours since he was sacked from Umno for breaching party discipline during the 15th general election.
Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin reportedly said Khairy (above), along with other sacked Umno leaders, could submit their applications for deliberation by the party’s supreme council.
“Khairy is a smart man who is well-liked. But it’s okay. All (who were sacked) are known to me, so it is up to them if they feel it is appropriate (to join Bersatu).
“I’m not just throwing praises but when he (Khairy) was with me and the previous government, I appointed him as minister although the party (Umno) did not name him,” Muhyiddin was quoted as saying by Astro Awani at a function in Pagoh, Johor, today.
“So if Khairy intends to join Bersatu, he can submit an application, and we will discuss and give due consideration,” said Muhyiddin.
Khairy served as science and technology minister under Muhyiddin’s stint as prime minister, after which he was retained in the cabinet as health minister under Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration.
Separately, Gerakan acting youth chief Wong Chia Zhen also reportedly offered Khairy to join the party.
Wong was quoted by Utusan Malaysia describing Khairy as among the most “outstanding ministers” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We welcome him as a Gerakan member. Although he had previously as an Umno Youth leader played up racial issues that Malay voters in Penang at the time (under Gerakan rule) were not given enough attention, we are willing to forgive him.
“We are all humans and humans are bound to make mistakes. We welcome him to join Gerakan,” said Wong.
On the other hand, Harapan components DAP and PKR have so far been less eager to accept Khairy and other sacked Umno leaders.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said his party will not jump the gun, while PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli indicated that any decision must be made collectively as a party.
Earlier today, Khairy revealed on social media that his expulsion from Umno came without warning as he had not received any show-cause letter or called up for a disciplinary hearing.
He has yet to indicate his next move.
