Khairy Jamaluddin attends Umno Youth AGM after dismissal, says return must be gradual.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar made a surprise appearance at the party’s 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGM), nearly three years after his dismissal from Umno.
Khairy, who previously served as a Cabinet minister, downplayed speculation about rejoining the party, saying any possible return should be taken “one step at a time.”
He confirmed that his attendance was by formal invitation from current Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, describing the moment as deeply emotional. Khairy also revealed that Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had personally given his approval for him to attend.
“I asked him whether I could come today, and if he did not want me to, I would not show up. He told me, ‘Please come,’” Khairy told reporters.
On party strategy, Khairy distanced himself from calls by Umno Youth to withdraw support from the Madani government, stressing that Akmal’s remarks were more nuanced and included respect for the party’s decision to remain in government until the next general election.
“It must be stated that what Akmal said was far more complex than simply ‘leaving’, as he also said he respects the party’s decision to remain in the current government until the next general election,” Khairy explained.
Khairy previously led Umno Youth from 2009 to 2018, before moving on to ministerial roles.
