Join PAS if you want to make comeback, Zaid tells Khairy

FMT:

 

Join PAS if you want to

make comeback, Zaid tells

Khairy

Elill Easwaran

-01 Feb 2025, 04:20 PM

Zaid Ibrahim says if Khairy Jamaluddin does not also want to form his own party, or contest as an independent, then the Islamic party can resurrect his political career.

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PAS can pave the way for Khairy Jamaluddin to return to Parliament and his eventual rise to power, said former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.

PETALING JAYA: 

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has suggested that Khairy Jamaluddin join PAS if he wants to make a political comeback, saying the party offers the best path for his return to Parliament and eventual rise to power.

In the latest episode of his podcast, Zaid also dismissed the idea of the former Umno Youth chief forming a new party, saying it would be an uphill battle.

“I think I want to call him and ask what he’s going to do. Maybe he won’t tell me. But he should actually join PAS,” he said.

He said Khairy had two “realistic” choices – form his own party, or contest as an independent. However, he urged the former health minister to declare his political direction as soon as possible.

“But if he doesn’t want those two options, then join PAS. He will definitely win. Then he can enter Parliament (if elected as an MP) and find ways to build support to become prime minister – not immediately, but in the next 10 years or so.

“I’m sure PAS will take him. I will even campaign for him if he joins PAS and contests,” he said.

Zaid also encouraged other Umno leaders who have been sidelined to consider PAS as an option, saying the party could provide them with a political future.

“Umno leaders who have no place (in the party) should join PAS. Bersatu started that movement (as a party to replace Umno), but not all succeeded. Where else can the Malays go? To me, Umno no longer has a future. The spirit is gone. Its soul is lost,” he said.

In January 2023, the Umno Supreme Council sacked Khairy and Selangor Umno chief Noh Omar and suspended key leaders such as former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein for breaching party discipline during the November 2022 general election.

Later that year, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said the party could offer Khairy a seat on its Supreme Council should the former Rembau MP decide to join the party.

Muhyiddin had said then there were two vacancies on the council and the invitation to Khairy had been discussed with other party leaders. However, Khairy said he needed time to decide.

Previously, Khairy had also joked with former DAP leader Ong Kian Ming about forming a party together. Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi also said he should form his own party to attract youths.

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kt comments:

While Zaid may be sincere I don't agree PAS is a suitable platform for a person like KJ. KJ can go back to UMNO and make it great again.