Jamal Yunos, head of Umno’s Sungai Besar division, said however that Khir should forget about representing Umno and Barisan Nasional at the next general election.

Khir, a former Selangor menteri besar, has been out of politics since being convicted and sentenced to jail on a corruption charge regarding his RM20 million bungalow in Shah Alam seven years ago.

Jamal said that Khir’s supporters should focus their attention on getting Umno’s election machinery into gear.

“The Umno divisional leadership is not thinking about candidates right now. We want to ensure that the party’s machinery is running smoothly and ready to face, and win, the elections,” said Jamal, according to Utusan Malaysia.

“He doesn’t have to (make a) comeback, just go back,” said Jamal.

Khir was state assemblyman for Sungai Panjang for three terms from 1999 to 2013. He said last week he intended to contest in Sungai Besar, stating that he wants Umno to reclaim the seat which is now held by Muslimin Yahaya of Bersatu.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ jail in 2011 for abuse of power over the purchase of land for his bungalow in Shah Alam, which reputedly cost RM20 million. He served six months of his sentence before being released on parole.