“Maybe we should start a political party together,” Khairy tells Ong
THE audience who attended the UCSI University-organised “Designing the Future: What is Next for Malaysia” forum today (May 25) were treated to a good laugh when two former MPs from rival political parties joked about starting a political party together.
“Perhaps we should form a political party together,” Khairy Jamaluddin said to former international trade and industry minister Dr Ong Kian Ming, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
Both Khairy and Ong were invited to speak at the forum, which was also aired live on UCSI University’s Facebook page.
“If he (Khairy) is president, I would consider it,” Ong said in response to the former UMNO Youth chief.
“The media has its headline tomorrow,” Khairy shot back in jest, indicating that Ong’s response would generate a lot of media attention the following day.
Earlier, Khairy concurred with Ong that Malaysians moving away for better chances abroad were not necessarily a “brain drain”, but a human capital deployment in a more efficient way.
According to Ong, the challenge today is for companies in the country to reach out into their networks to recruit back those who have been working abroad to fill important roles in the public and private sectors.
When quizzed about his immediate political plans, the former Rembau MP remained tight-lipped.
“I am not going to answer directly what I am going to do if I am back, as I have not decided what to do immediately,” he said, adding that “politics does not define me” after being sacked by UMNO earlier this year.
Currently, the former youth and sports minister announced that he intends to galvanise young Malaysians to be better citizens.
“What I want to do is a call to action for young Malaysians on how to participate not just in terms of the political process but in terms of securing a sustainable future,” he said, adding that his goal was to reach out to those aged 15 to 17 through the project so that they would be civic-minded and compassionate.
Previously, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said a spot at the party’s Supreme Council awaits Khairy should the latter join the party.
On Muhyiddin’s offer, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu advised Khairy yesterday (May 24) to not delay his decision over whether to accept the offer, adding that Khairy is a capable leader who still has a role to play in the nation’s development.
In response, Khairy said earlier that he will decide whether to accept the “high post” soon, adding that it is “unfair” for him to keep people waiting for too long. – FocusM, May 25, 2023
