SACKED Umno duo Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Sufian Hamdan should join Pakatan Harapan (PH) component party DAP, former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said.

In a podcast titled “Keluar Sekejap: Kenapa Melayu tak suka DAP (Why Malays don’t like DAP)”, Ong, who was a special guest speaker, said the party needs prime minister candidates.

“Both of you fit the bill,” Ong said, referring to Khairy and Shahril.

Ong was responding to Khairy, who asked if he and Shahril should join DAP and if yes, why.

Prior to the formation of the unity government, Umno and DAP are known to be arch-rivals.

Khairy, who is a former health minister, was sacked by Umno in January for working against the interest of the party.

Shahril, who is a former Umno information chief, was suspended for six years by the party.

Both have since not joined any party but started a podcast series together, talking about current affairs and political developments in the country.

Khairy, a former Rembau MP, who contested the Sungai Buloh seat in last year’s general election, has said he was victimised because he wanted the party’s top two posts to be contested.

After Umno’s disastrous performance in the general election, with the party only winning 26 seats, Khairy felt that it was time for a change in leadership.

He dismissed speculation of a personal vendetta against party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as being the reason for wanting the posts to be challenged.

Shahril, a former aide to Khairy, has said he would not appeal his six-year suspension by the party. – May 2, 2023.