‘I’m happy where I am’ - KJ on join Bersatu invite

Umno’s Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin is fine staying put for the time being, following an invitation by a Pakatan Harapan minister to join Bersatu.

“I am quite happy where I am, thank you,” was all the former Umno Youth chief was willing to say when met with reporters at Parliament today.

When asked if this meant he was rejecting the offer, the latter only repeated his answer.

Syed Saddiq, who is Bersatu Youth chief and who succeeded Khairy as youth and sports minister, had issued the invitation to the latter via Twitter, saying this would better position Bersatu as a centrist party for the Malay community.

This came after Khairy seemingly came to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s defence for urging all Malay parties, ncluding Umno and PAS, to join Bersatu. Mahathir is also Bersatu chairperson.

Khairy had said the premier had valid reasons for issuing the call and it would be “arrogant” to dismiss Mahathir’s suggestion, as the latter was correct to state the Malay community was fractured today.

Among the reasons cited by Mahathir was that there was a need to unite the Malay votes which were being splintered due to the presence of too many Malay parties, which could cost the community at the polls.

The call came at a surprise to leaders of other Harapan component parties. Mahathir is expected to explain his invitation to Harapan leaders in today’s coalition presidential council meeting. - Mkini