“I have submitted the application letter and leave it to Umno to make a decision,” he told reporters after attending an Aidilfitri open house hosted by Umno executive secretary Sumali Reduan in Benut.

Khairy said he is ready to serve again if his application is approved, Bernama reported. “It’s up to the party leadership, let them decide whether to accept it or not,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

Asked about speculation that he might be contesting a seat in Johor, the former Rembau MP said his priority at the moment was only to return to the party. “This is a journey back to the party, there is no need to rush,” he said.

He said his attendance at the open house was in response to the first invitation he received after announcing his intention to return to Umno.

“Sumali was one of the important people who brought me back to Umno. He arranged my meeting with the president (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) so I am very grateful to him,” Khairy was quoted as saying.

Others present at the event were Johor Umno chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Pontian Umno chief Ahmad Maslan.

Earlier today, Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said the party’s Supreme Council would decide on membership applications from several former leaders, including Khairy, at its meeting on April 17.

Umno has said that former members were welcome to rejoin the party under Zahid’s Rumah Bangsa initiative.