Party leadership sources said the plan emerged following Khairy's strong performance during the recent Johor election campaign.
"There have been discussions among the state Umno and BN leadership on fielding Khairy for one of the seats in Rembau for several reasons.
"Firstly, the incumbent has served three terms and is said to be ready to make way. Secondly, the party leadership views Khairy's role in helping BN secure a landslide victory in Johor as highly effective, particularly in attracting young voters.
"There has also been a suggestion for him to be positioned as a 'poster boy' and subsequently as BN's Menteri Besar candidate if the coalition wins the Negri Sembilan election," the source told Berita Harian.
When asked whether it is appropriate for Khairy to contest at the state level, the source said it is not an issue.
"That's not a problem. It is similar to Foreign Minister and Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who currently holds the Rantau state seat. It is appropriate for Khairy to contest at the state level. If BN wins and forms the state government, he could be appointed Menteri Besar instead of serving as an ordinary state assemblyman," the source said.
Khairy, who recently returned to the Umno fold, has reportedly declined to comment on the speculation.
Meanwhile, in Jelebu, Negri Sembilan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias urged all parties to wait for tonight's announcement of BN candidates.
"Let's wait and see whether he is named as a candidate. Don't speculate," he said after attending the Jelajah Santuni Kampung Orang Asli programme for the Jelebu parliamentary constituency and Pertang state seat at Kampung Orang Asli Baner Tengkoh yesterday.
Asked whether he would defend the Pertang seat, Jalaluddin said he would accept whatever decision the party made.
BN has confirmed it will contest all 36 state seats in the Negri Sembilan election. - NST
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