KJ's statements about Umno not constructive - Khaled

SHAH ALAM - Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin dismissed the statements made by former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, considering them as attempts to discredit Umno.

The Minister of Higher Education stated that Khairy's remarks about Umno are not constructive.

"If I respond to Khairy's statements, he will continue to talk without end.

"We did not expect him to say anything positive about Umno," Khaled said during a press conference after the Umno Liaison Meeting at Umno Johor headquarters on Sunday.

In a media report on Saturday, Khairy described Umno as having fallen into a deep crisis from which it is difficult to recover.

Although Khairy admitted his continued affection for the party, he expressed uncertainty about whether Umno can regain strength or vice versa.

In January, Khairy, who previously held the position of deputy chief of the Umno Rembau division, was expelled from Umno.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Umno Supreme Working Council chaired by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Commenting further, the Kota Tinggi MP stressed that Umno, as a party that champions the rights of the Malays, remains relevant in contemporary society, and racial-based parties should not be completely disregarded.

Khaled highlighted that when matters concerning the welfare of the Malays arise, Umno will continue to take a stand, such as the issue of the word "ALLAH."

"Although some argue that race-based parties are no longer relevant today, Umno's history as a party fighting for the Malays demonstrates its ability to form a government through cooperation with all races.

"It is crucial for a party to recognise that in a diverse country like Malaysia, a single ruling party is not feasible. Umno has practiced this for a long time.

"That is why we will continue to fulfill our role, especially as part of the Unity Government," he added.