KJ's appointment as Johor youth advisor shows he's an asset, in demand, say analysts 

SHAH ALAM - Khairy Jamaluddin’s appointment as Johor Youth Advisor shows he still has strong influence and his persona remains intact despite being sacked from Umno last week.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political analyst Associate Professor Dr Ummu Athiyyah Ahmad Zakuan said the appointment also shows the former health minister is an asset and is able to make changes and produce results.

“It shows that Khairy still has strong influence and his persona remains intact despite the removal from his party," she told Sinar Daily.

Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Anak Jawan said the Khairy’s appointment may raise his profile in Johor.

“However, that is a long shot.

“The appointment as Johor Youth Advisor is not a political appointment, hence it will not give him the exposure and contact he needs to continue to be seen in the national scene,” he said.

Nevertheless, he further shared that the appointment would keep Khairy occupied and in the public eye.

Political analyst from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam said with Khairy’s dismissal is a big loss to Umno.

“From my point of view, the offers given by certain individuals or organisations to Khairy are manifestations of trust from external bodies towards him This was also their recognition of his leadership ability,” he said.

The former Rembau MP was sacked by Umno along with former Tanjong Karang MP Tan Sri Noh Omar on Jan 28.

Umno had also suspended and sacked 42 of its members including the Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein and the former Information Chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan for six years.