Khairy said his late father-in-law and former long-serving Kepala Batas MP, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had previously told him and Abdullah’s political protege, Reezal Merican Naina Merican, to “let Reezal take care of Kepala Batas”.

“How can I go against his wishes?” said Khairy on the sidelines of a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by Reezal in Bertam here this evening.

“As far as Kepala Batas is concerned, Pak Lah’s wish was for Reezal to look after the constituency. I wish him all the best in the coming general election – may he win Kepala Batas back.”

He was responding to a question about rumours that he would be fielded in Kepala Batas, a constituency represented by Abdullah, a former prime minister, for seven consecutive terms from 1978 to 2013.

Abdullah was succeeded by Reezal, who held the seat for two terms before losing it to PAS’s Siti Mastura Muhammad in the 2022 general election.

Khairy, a former Rembau MP, also said it is premature to discuss which parliamentary seat he will contest in the 16th general election, as the decision lies with Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“Also, I want to ask for my old membership back in the Sungai Buloh division,” he said.

He said his application to rejoin Umno will be discussed at the party’s Supreme Council meeting on April 17, with a decision expected the same day.

“Of course, I will accept whatever decision the party makes,” he said.

On March 28, Bernama reported Khairy as saying that he intends to return to Umno as an ordinary member without seeking any position.

Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said applications from several former leaders, including Khairy’s, under the “Rumah Bangsa” initiative would be brought to the Supreme Council meeting on April 17.