Khairy breaks silence on comeback rumour: ‘I never left Umno – you expelled me’

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — Khairy Jamaluddin has hit back at suggestions he voluntarily left Umno, issuing a sharp reminder that he was expelled from the party and warning against any attempts to “rewrite history.”

His pointed remarks, posted on social media, were a direct response to comments from Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who said Khairy must not “come in and then leave again.”

In his post today, Khairy shared Bung Moktar’s remarks and wrote: “Let me be perfectly clear: I never left Umno. You guys expelled me. Please don’t try to rewrite history.”

The exchange comes amid growing speculation that Khairy may soon return to Umno, nearly three years after he was sacked in January 2023 for allegedly breaching party discipline during the 15th general election.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed earlier today that Khairy has expressed interest in rejoining the party but was yet to submit a formal application. 

The speculation is fuelled by reports that the former Rembau MP may rejoin ahead of the Sabah state elections, which are expected soon.

While he did not address the comeback rumours directly, Khairy asked for patience, saying he would be ready to explain further “in a couple of weeks.”