KJ aspires to be PM one day despite being sacked
KHAIRY
Speaking to BFM on its "The Breakfast Grill" show on Monday, the former Rembau member of parliament (MP), however, said he wasn't sure how his aspiration would be achieved now that he has been sacked from Umno.
"I would like to have the privilege one day of leading the country. I'm not quite sure how that's going to happen now. But I do understand that politics is not a straight path.
"There are multiple troughs that one has to go down before they can emerge as a leader, not just of their party but of the country. So, yes, I do still want to lead this country one day. How I get there, I don't know," he said.
In the meantime, Khairy said he has not decided on his next course of action, whether or not to remain in politics or move to another field for the time being.
He also joked about his packed schedule throughout this week with lunch invitations.
"I will meet anyone who wants to meet me. I will listen to what they have to say. My schedule is actually packed with lunch invitations throughout this week. I don't think I will need to pay for my lunch this week.
"I'm also not rushing to make any decisions. So allow me to take my time. I'm also open to anyone who wants to meet," he said.
Further, he noted that he has his own set of criteria for deciding whether to join any political party, if that's the direction he chooses.
"It must be in line with my own vision to create an inclusive country. A country that is based on good governance, a country that is progressive but it also has to be compatible with me.
"Of course, joining a new political party will be awkward at first because maybe you've fought at one point as an opposing party, but that's politics. It's about winning and convincing others.
"I think I'm ready for it, but it has to be in line with my vision," he added.
The former health minister also said it will not be an easy task to remove Umno from his life as he has dedicated 23 years of his life for the party.
The fact that he was fired and not resigned on his own terms made it more difficult, Khairy said.
He also did not rule out the possibility of returning to Umno one day, that too, if the party implements changes for the better.
"I have been thinking about this question for the past two days, and I am not sure if I will. But the decline towards UMNO started a long time ago, and I fear it has reached the point of no return.
"So if I think of returning to UMNO, it must be a very different entity than what it is today. Its leadership has also deteriorated badly, and I am not sure it can recover," Khairy stressed again.
Khairy was among eleven members sacked from the party for several offences, including running as independent candidates and helping opposition candidates in the polls.
