Questions over 'popular' Khairy's future after Rembau move

Political analysts have played down the odds of Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin accepting any invitation to contest the Seremban parliamentary seat, a constituency they describe as a DAP fortress. 

Speaking to MalaysiaNow, they acknowledged Khairy's overall popularity as a politician.   

However, they said a victory for him in Seremban would be difficult as the incumbent, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, was also an influential leader. 

James Chin of Australia's University of Tasmania said the situation would not favour Khairy, who might end up on the losing end if he decided to try his luck in the area. 

"He is not stupid," Chin added. "He knows his own abilities. He will not go to Seremban. 

"All of this speculation is just empty talk." 

Khairy said on Sept 4 that he would not defend his parliamentary seat of Rembau at the 15th general election (GE15). 

He said he had been asked to give way to Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan, to allow him to contest the seat instead. 

Khairy, who has held the Rembau seat since 2008, said he did not yet know which parliamentary seat he would contest instead, adding that he was also open to the idea of not contesting at all.

Seremban Umno Youth chief Zool Amali Hussin later suggested that Khairy contest in Seremban, saying it would be a loss if he was not fielded in the election. 

Loke, the DAP secretary-general, has held the Seremban seat for nine years. 

Mujibu Abd Muis of Universiti Teknologi Mara, when contacted, recalled the loss of MCA candidate Chong Sin Woon who was fielded against Loke in 2018. 

While Chong was fluent in Malay and had been seen as a capable candidate, he still lost badly to Loke, who obtained a majority of more than 30,600 votes. 

"Khairy's chances might be 50-50," Mujibu added. 

"But Seremban is a big city and a mixed constituency. Loke will have the advantage if we take this into consideration." 

If Khairy decided to run in Seremban, he added, it would be a loss to the country as both he and Loke were politicians of calibre and only one of them could win. 

Ahmad Atory Hussain of Universiti Sains Malaysia meanwhile said Khairy would not likely contest at the state legislative assembly level in Negeri Sembilan or be nominated as menteri besar as such a position would be beneath him. 

He said Khairy, who once held the youth and sports portfolio as well, was considered a possible candidate for prime minister due to his high level of education and his image as an intellectual among Umno members. 

"Even to be made the menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan would not be at his level," he said. 

"And Khairy has been doing well as health minister, to the point where he stands out more than many other Cabinet members." 

Nevertheless, he said, question marks remained over Khairy's future in Umno as he was only considered popular outside of the party. 

He said this could stand in the way of Khairy's political progress if he chose to remain with Umno. 

Chin said Khairy was not considered nationalistic enough, although still useful for winning the votes of the so-called liberal Malays. 

"Otherwise, Umno might just get rid of him," he added. 

"If he was truly influential and popular within the party, Mohamad would not be able to take over the Rembau seat." 

Atory said the move to replace Khairy in Rembau implied an agenda by some within Umno to kill off his political career. 

He said it was possible that some were jealous of Khairy's abilities, adding however that this was part and parcel of Umno's political culture. 

"Khairy needs to find strong friends in Umno who will shield him and help him stand against his political enemies. 

"Otherwise, things will be difficult and he might be forced to go it alone." 

Should this come to pass, Atory said, Khairy could migrate to other Malay parties such as Bersatu, PAS, Pejuang, PKR or Amanah.