REMBAU MP Khairy Jamaluddin will stand as Barisan Nasional’s candidate in Sungai Buloh for the general election, according to coalition sources.

“Yes, Khairy will contest in Sungai Buloh. The decision was finalised today.

“The announcement will be made by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi soon,” the source told Malaysiakini.

It would appear that Umno smells an opportunity as current Sungai Buloh MP R. Sivarasa Rasiah (PKR) is due to be replaced by newcomer Ramanan Ramakrishnan.

Sivarasa trounced his three opponents at the last poll in 2018, taking nearly 56% of the vote.

The source also said the decision was made in part due to Khairy’s political secretary Megat Firdouz Megat Junid’s position as Sungai Buloh Umno division chief.

“This gives him (Khairy) the advantage to contest there,” the source added.

Khairy cast doubt on his political future recently when he said he had been pushed out of Rembau by Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan, who is keen to assert himself once more in Negri Sembilan.

Meanwhile, a source from MIC said the party is planning to contest in Batu.

“We have let go of Sungai Buloh, so we will get a replacement seat.

“MIC is negotiating to contest in Batu,” the source added.

PKR’s P. Prabakaran will defend the constituency he won at a canter as an independent in 2018. – October 29, 2022.