PETALING JAYA: Umno and Barisan Nasional will regret it if they drop Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin for the coming general election, says a member of the party leadership.
Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who is on the Umno Supreme Council, said Khairy was an asset who could help ensure a BN victory.
He said Khairy, as former Umno Youth chief and former youth and sports minister, was a key figure who could attract younger voters, especially with Undi18 (lower voting age) in force.
“Although he is not perfect, I am confident Khairy’s ability and leadership qualities will continue to be a significant political asset for Umno in the coming general election,” said Reezal in a Facebook post.
Khairy had said earlier today he might not be able to contest the general election, following a message from Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan to “get out of the way”.
He said he would follow whatever Umno decided, but had yet to receive any instructions about where the party wants him to contest.
Mohamad had said yesterday he intended to contest a parliamentary seat so that he had a role at the federal level. He did not say which seat he would contest.
However, he is head of Umno Rembau, and his state seat in Negeri Sembilan is one of four within the Rembau parliamentary constituency.
Mohamad has been state assemblyman for Rantau since 2004 and was menteri besar for three terms.
Khairy, who is currently the health minister, has been returned as Rembau MP since 2008.