It's a loss for Umno if KJ does not contest in GE15: Reezal Merican

SHAH ALAM - Umno Supreme Council (MKT) member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has said it will be a loss for the party if Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin does not contest in the 15th General Election (GE15).

He said Khairy could attract young and first-time voters.

"The voter demographics of Undi18 dynamic and Khairy has the aura to woo them.

"Just like any other politician, Khairy is not perfect but I am confident of his capabilities and abilities as a leader will continue to be an important political asset for the party's victory in the upcoming GE15," he said in a post on his Facebook on Sunday.

Khairy was previously reported to confirm that he will not defend the Rembau parliamentary seat in GE15. He had also said the worst-case scenario would be not to contest in the coming general elections.

Khairy said Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had said he intends to run for the Rembau seat and due to that Khairy said he had not prepared or had any idea on the seats and due to that the worst-case scenario would be not contesting in GE15.

Reezal Merican also believes that Khairy has the ability to deliver and fulfill the responsibilities given to him.

"Yes, sometimes he is quite vocal and gives a different point of view or perspective. However, it does not mean that his views are all right or all wrong," he said.

Reezal Merican said his party has seen Khairy, the health minister during Cabinet meetings.

"His leadership was also recognised at the international level to enable him to be elected as Vice President of the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2022," he said.