Speculation on where Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin might contest in the next general election intensified after he indicated that he was prepared to step aside to make way for Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.
According to sources in Negeri Sembilan Umno, there are several parliamentary seats where the former Umno Youth chief could be contesting during the 15th general election.
They said Khairy (above) was already made aware of Mohamad’s intention to contest at the federal level following the outcome of the last election.
Among the seats where Khairy could go next, if the party leadership gives its blessings, are Tampin, Kuala Pilah, or Putrajaya.
"Nevertheless, Khairy is expected to contest in Tampin because it is considered a ‘safe seat’ for the Rembau MP, since it is a stronghold for Umno and BN.
"Tampin was previously won by Shaziman Abu Mansor. Surely, that would influence support for Khairy.
"Apart from that, Kuala Pilah is said to be a suitable seat for Khairy, as well as Putrajaya. However, it is quite unlikely for Khairy would contest in Putrajaya," a source told Malaysiakini.
Another source concurred that Khairy could be expected to contest in Tampin, Kuala Pilah, or Putrajaya.
"Tok Mat (Mohamad) has been dropping hints for the past two years. So now when Khairy announced it (on Sunday), we can say it is confirmed that he won’t be contesting in Rembau.
"It’s just that, like Khairy said, there is no other parliamentary seat besides Rembau.
"However, Kuala Pilah, Tampin, and Port Dickson are among the safe seats that could be an option for Khairy.
"But that is if (PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim does not contest in Port Dickson. Because for me, Port Dickson is not safe since it is a mixed seat," the source said.
For the time being, the sources believe that Khairy is more inclined to contest the Kuala Pilah seat.
"For now, he is leaning towards Kuala Pilah. We have seen Khairy going to Kuala Pilah a few times," one source said.
On Sept 4, Khairy confirmed he will not be defending his Rembau parliamentary seat in the next general election, as he has been asked to step aside for Mohamad who intends to contest that seat instead.
"He (Mohamed) recently passed the message to me that I have to get out of his way.
"He asked me to find another constituency because he wants to contest in Rembau. He asked me to give way, so I have to do that," The New Straits Times quoted him as saying at the closing ceremony of the National Organ Donation Awareness Week in Kuala Lumpur. - Mkini
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