HEALTH MINISTER KHAIRY PREPARED TO GIVE WAY IN REMBAU
Over the weekend, Malaysian media reported that Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin might not be contesting in the next general election.
“The worst-case scenario is that I don’t contest, it’s fine. It’s okay, I’m alright,” the Rembau MP was quoted as saying by the Star on Sunday.
This came after Barisan Nasional’s deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan was believed to have hinted that he might be contesting in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. Mr Mohamad is currently not a federal level lawmaker.
According to the Star’s report, Mr Khairy said: “He (Mr Mohamad) passed the message to me that I must get out of the way … Anyway, you know, what can I do? He’s the boss … If he wants to contest the parliament seat, I will give way.”
Following Mr Khairy’s remarks, the United Malays National Organisation’s youth chapter in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, reportedly asked Mr Khairy to contest there instead.
On Monday, Seremban MP Anthony Loke wrote in a Facebook post that he regards Mr Khairy as a strong opponent.
“Khairy Jamaluddin is a political figure of great caliber and certainly a strong opponent wherever he contests. If it is true that he is contesting in Seremban, then this competition is very fierce and will be among the ‘hottest’ seats in GE 15,” said the secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Mr Loke added: “As a DAP leader, I am not afraid to face any odds and challenges in the political struggle. I remain ready to defend the Seremban parliamentary seat in GE15 despite facing Khairy Jamaluddin or anyone nominated by the opposition.”