Khairy has not been available for comment on the media reports, but his associates were quoted in a news report as saying that a statement would be forthcoming. Nominations for the Umno elections close today.
Rahman posted a message on Twitter saying “#KJ4President Now that’s out of the box. Totally!” shortly after the news reports were published about Khairy’s possible candidacy.
His tweet was made under his account @mpkotabelud. Rahman was MP for Kota Belud but failed to secure election in Sepanggar at the general election last month.
Elections to all seats on the Umno Supreme Council will be held on June 30.
Two others have declared their candidacy for the president’s post: acting president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. Khairy’s involvement was speculated to be a possible spoiler move to ensure that Zahid is elected.
Two weeks ago, Khairy’s name had been mentioned by Pakatan Harapan chairman and prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who caught reporters by surprise when, asked about an Umno squabble in Perlis, he interjected: “Now I see the presidency of the party is being contested. I see the best candidate is Khairy… for president.”
In response, Khairy later said that Mahathir was being sarcastic or had made his comment in jest. At that time, Khairy had only announced that he would contest one of the three vice-presidents’ positions.