KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed surprise over circulating rumours that former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin could be reappointed to his Cabinet.
Responding to reporters’ questions about Khairy after the National Development Symposium and Awards 2025 in Putrajaya today, the prime minister merely smiled and said: “Really? Who told you?”
According to a report today in Utusan Malaysia, the speculation comes amid expectations of a Cabinet reshuffle slated for early December, following vacancies in several ministerial posts.
Khairy is reportedly tipped to take the role of minister of environment and water, while Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is expected to head the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
Malay Mail previously reported that Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed Khairy had expressed interest in returning to the party, adding that Umno was open to his return and was “waiting for the official letter”.
Khairy, the former Rembau MP, is reportedly seeking to rejoin Umno ahead of the Sabah state election at the end of next month, with the blessing of top party leaders, including president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The former health minister had said last year on his podcast that he had rejected offers to join other parties, insisting he still saw himself as part of Umno.
