Allowing Khairy Jamaluddin back into Umno may be less about reconciliation and more about political survival for both the former health minister and the party, analysts say.
Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said Khairy has few realistic alternatives after being expelled from Umno in January 2023 for breaching party discipline.
She added that Khairy’s return would benefit Umno as the former three-term Rembau MP still retains strong support among some segments of voters and would bolster the party’s image ahead of the next general election (GE16).
“Based on what we know publicly, there’s a high chance Khairy will return to Umno and work with its president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. It’s better to have him within Umno than outside where he could openly challenge Umno.
“For…