PUTRAJAYA, Nov 4 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today downplayed speculation about Khairy Jamaluddin’s return to the party, saying there have been no formal discussions on this and that their last meeting was a casual encounter at a wedding.
Zahid’s comments come amid growing rumours that the former health minister is expected to rejoin Umno ahead of the Sabah state elections.
When asked about such reports, Zahid downplayed their recent interaction.
“I only met him (Khairy) at a wedding, and we did not discuss anything. What was reported in the media is simply what the media wrote,” he told reporters after an event here, but clarified that he was not disputing the initial reports.
Pressed on whether there were any official talks within Umno about a comeback, Zahid gave a brief reply: “So far, nothing.”
The speculation follows recent remarks from other Umno leaders, including secretary-general Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who confirmed Khairy had expressed interest in rejoining.
Khairy addressed Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s remarks on the matter last week by saying, “I never left Umno. You guys expelled me.”
The former Umno Youth chief, who was sacked in January 2023 for allegedly breaching party discipline during the 15th general election, has said he needed a “couple of weeks” before responding directly about the rumoured comeback.
