KUALA LUMPUR – Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who was expelled from the party in 2023, drew attention after returning to attend the 2025 Umno General Assembly (PAU).
Khairy, dressed in a white baju melayu complete with a red sampin and songkok, was warmly welcomed by Umno members.
He was accompanied by former Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
Their arrival was marked by a simple welcoming ceremony, including drum beats and a short silat performance.
The former Rembau Member of Parliament was expelled from Umno in January 2023 over allegations that he had belittled and sabotaged the Barisan Nasional (BN) campaign during the 15th General Election (GE15).
Khairy, who served as Umno Youth chief from 2009 to 2018, had previously reiterated his stance that he would not join any political party despite receiving various invitations.
In October last year, speculation emerged that he might rejoin Umno, with reports claiming that he had received the ‘blessing’ of the party’s top leadership, particularly Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh confirmed that Khairy would be attending the Umno Youth Assembly, describing his presence as a morale booster for the delegates.
According to Akmal, Khairy’s attendance was not only highly anticipated, but he remains one of the key figures who continues to be respected by the Umno Youth wing. – January 15, 2026