Malaysia’s ex-minister Khairy seen returning to politics as Umno seeks to regain young voters

KUALA LUMPUR - The appearance by Malaysia’s former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin at an Umno Youth event for the first time since he was sacked from the Malay nationalist party more than two years ago has sparked wide speculation over his imminent return to politics.

Mr Khairy, 49, took part in an education roundtable on Nov 7 at the invitation of the youth wing. The event was also attended by Umno Youth’s chief, Datuk Akmal Saleh, and former education minister Maszlee Malik.

Mr Mujibu Abd Muis, a political expert from Universiti Teknologi MARA, said Mr Khairy’s participation signalled “a softening stance” within the party, as Umno hunts for potential candidates to field at Malaysia’s next general election, likely to be held in the next two years.

“The elements within Umno, especially younger members, appeared to recognise his continued political value,” he said.

Mr Mujibu added: “In the broader context, this could be strategically beneficial... Umno’s main challenge since the 14th General Election has been its declining support among the youth and first-time voters.”

Mr Khairy’s political career in Umno began in the early 2000s, when he moved from the Prime Minister’s Office into party leadership and soon became one of Umno’s most recognisable young faces.

His popularity peaked when he was appointed as Umno Youth chief in 2009 and cemented his image as a next-generation leader within a party dominated by old figures.

This early visibility, combined with his modern communication style and reputation for policy competence, helped build a strong following among young Malaysians, who saw him as a rare youthful and reform-minded voice within Umno.

But

he was expelled from Umno

in January 2023 by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for insinuating that a vote had been manipulated. The exercise also saw the six-year suspension of several other leaders, including former defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Explaining why the youth wing had invited Mr Khairy – called KJ by most people – Dr Akmal said it had significance for the party’s survival.

“Umno cannot afford to be divided. Of course, it is not just about KJ but anyone who was suspended or expelled but still loyal to the party’s cause and hasn’t joined other parties,” he said.

Dr Akmal added that instead of continuing to quarrel, “it is better for us to come together and unite, because what matters now is ensuring Umno can move forward”.

Mr Khairy played it cool when the media pressed for comments about his “return”, insisting his appearance was non-political.

“Today’s programme is purely an education-related event organised by Umno Youth, and since I was once the Umno Youth chief, I came to support it,” he told the media.

He added: “When the time comes for me to make an announcement and a decision, I will inform the media.”

Outspoken and charismatic, the Oxford-educated Mr Khairy rose quickly with the political ascent and premiership of his father-in-law, Tun Abdullah Badawi.

The late Mr Abdullah was prime minister between 2003 and 2009. He died in April 2025, aged 85.

Mr Khairy continued to hold Cabinet portfolios in the subsequent premierships of Najib Razak and Mr Muhyiddin Yassin between 2013 and 2022. Among those, he was youth and sports minister, science, technology and innovation minister, coordinating minister for the national Covid-19 immunisation programme, and health minister.

Since his departure from Umno, he has continued to maintain visibility through a popular podcast and media activities, keeping him relevant in public discourse.

And his political rehabilitation may be imminent, with Umno seeing an opportunity in the next election to regain ground it has lost.

Umno and its coalition partners in Barisan Nasional (BN) had dominated Malaysian politics since independence, but suffered

a historic 2018 defeat

to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance, largely attributed to the

1MDB financial scandal

.

Umno-led BN

performed even more badly in the 2022 general election

, securing just 30 seats. This forced the coalition to enter a pact with PH, a bloc led by Prime Miniser Anwar Ibrahim, in order to remain part of the federal administration.

Mr Khairy’s presence at the forum, which was held at Umno-owned Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre, was warmly welcomed by the party wing members, comprising mostly young working adults and university students.

Malay daily Berita Harian reported last week that Mr Khairy was being considered as a possible BN candidate in the next general election, with sources saying he could be fielded in Kepala Batas, the parliamentary seat in Penang long associated with his father-in-law.

Dr Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said Mr Khairy’s personal prominence remains a key asset in Malaysian politics.

“He is popular,” she said.

Noting that Mr Khairy has remained loyal to Umno, she said his re-engagement points to a pragmatic accommodation with the party president.

Mr Mujibu said Mr Khairy’s appearance could help Umno reconnect with young and urban voters, but stressed that the effect would be limited without accompanying institutional changes.

He said Umno would still need to demonstrate a readiness to empower its younger ranks and modernise its internal discourse.

“It is a test of whether Umno truly recognises the need for generational renewal. It is a small but telling signal of whether the party is ready to evolve from being a legacy institution into a modern political movement attuned to younger Malaysians,” he said.