KUALA LUMPUR: Experts believe that it is unlikely for Khairy Jamaluddin, to join Pakatan Harapan (PH) as the party must consider the views of its unity government members.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said that Khairy needs a strong party to move on from Umno to pursue his political career.
However, he questions whether Khairy's addition to the Selangor government will give any value despite his popularity.
"PH must think about Umno in the unity government, in addition to the upcoming state election which includes Selangor.
"Even though Umno is at its weakest position right now, PH needs all the help that Umno can render. Especially in getting support from Malay voters.
"Given this, what will be the benefit that Khairy can bring in for PH?
Azmi said that including Khairy in the state government will contradict what Umno and PH need.
"There will be more disadvantages for PH when accepting Khairy because Umno keeps a close watch on this particular issue.
"Khairy and Umno grassroots does not have a good relationship, meaning that he does not have the base of their (grassroots) support," he said.
However, political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul said Khairy's sacking left him with no choice but to join another political party despite his loyalty towards Umno.
He said that Umno could potentially lose more votes in the state election as a result of what happened in the party, the sacking and suspension of members in the party.
"I do see that his hardcore supporters will follow him in the party that he will join eventually.
"Khairy is considered valuable to other parties due to his experience of being a minister in three different ministries. He does have strong supporters in Umno and outside of the party.
"Even though he is loyal to Umno, the party sacked him and he has no other choice but to join any party that wants him," he said.
Ainul said that the unity government will not be affected if Khairy decides to team up with PH.
"PH does need support from Umno but Khairy's expulsion does not change the support of Umno as a part of the government.
"Umno will just keep a close eye on KJ if he does join a different party," he added.
Fellow at the Institution of Malay Rulers Chair, Universiti Teknologi Mara Mujibu Abdul Muis said that there is no issue of loyalty if Khairy joins another party as he was sacked.
"It is all about moving on although the possibility of returning to Umno is there for him.
Former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin earlier today admitted that he has engaged with "several parties" on taking a possible role in the Selangor government.
This follows multiple reports of such claims after his sacking from Umno, in which Khairy highlighted the role of 'menteri besar' was of potential.
He shared his interest in "restarting a political career" in Selangor and might contest in the upcoming state elections.