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Khairy seeks Umno return, pledges full support

PN calls for special parliamentary sitting on trade deal

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has called for a special parliamentary sitting to review the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, following legal developments in the US that have cast uncertainty over the deal. Its secretary-general and chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the situation raises questions about the status of negotiations and any commitments made by the government under the agreement. “The development raises serious questions about the status of negotiations and any commitments that may have been made by the government under the agreement,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said the issue could have wide-ranging implications for Malaysia’s export industries, manufacturing sector, supply chains and investor confidence, especially amid growing global trade uncertainty. “At a time of growing global trade uncertainty, clarity in policy direction and investor confidence in Malaysia are increasingly important. “Such a step is vital to ensure transparency and accountability while enabling Parliament to perform its proper role in scrutinising the direction of Malaysia’s trade policy and protecting the country’s long-term economic interests,” he noted. PN is urging the government to provide a full explanation of the agreement’s status, its economic and diplomatic implications for Malaysia and the measures being taken to safeguard national interests. Takiyuddin said a special parliamentary sitting would allow MPs to be fully briefed and debate the matter openly. “Parliament must be informed of any commitments or concessions that may have been made during negotiations, including matters affecting the future direction of Malaysia-United States trade relations.” The agreement was signed in October last year in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit, following negotiations prompted by tariff measures imposed by Washington on Malaysian exports under US President Donald Trump’s administration. The deal aimed to manage the impact of those tariffs while maintaining market access for selected Malaysian exports. However, the agreement has become inapplicable after the US Supreme Court ruled that key elements of Trump’s tariff policy exceeded presidential authority under US trade law, effectively removing the legal framework that had underpinned the negotiations. On Sunday, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani confirmed that the agreement was no longer applicable, noting that the earlier tariff framework had been affected by the court ruling. He also said the United States is imposing a temporary 10% tariff on Malaysian goods under Section 122 of the US Trade Act 1974, pending review by Washington. active neutrality and free, fair trade. The statement was signed by Subang MP Wong Chen, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Sungai Siput MP Kesavan Subramaniam, Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail and Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

o ‘If there are loose boards, I will help tighten them. If nails need to be hammered, I will hammer them’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: “ Insha Allah , I am coming home.” Those were the words of Khairy Jamaluddin as he formally applied to return to Umno, submitting a letter to party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to reinstate his membership. In a Facebook post, he said he has requested that his expulsion be overturned and his original membership number restored, expressing hope that party leaders would consider his appeal under the Rumah Bangsa reconciliation initiative. “I do not ask to return to this vessel of the nation with any conditions, personal agenda or demands. It is enough for me to be given the chance to serve as an ordinary crew member.” Using a maritime metaphor to describe Umno’s political journey, Khairy pledged his full support. “If there are loose boards, I will help tighten them. If nails need to be hammered, I will hammer them. “If hatches must be sealed to keep the water out, I will ensure they are secured. What matters is that this vessel of the nation continues to sail through the waves and storms of our times.” Khairy thanked Zahid for receiving him during a meeting on the 26th night of Ramadan, describing Umno as the “only political home” he has known. Meanwhile, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said in a Facebook

Khairy (left) submitting the letter of appeal to return to Umno to Zahid. – PIC COURTESY OF ZAHID HAMIDI FACEBOOK

“Welcoming back former members, even those previously suspended or expelled, shows that Umno’s leadership believes it can manage internal challenges while boosting its electoral strength,” he noted. Khairy’s application is under review by the Rumah Bangsa committee and is being watched as a potential unifying force with strong urban appeal. His influence could reshape internal dynamics in the run-up to a fiercely contested general election. Since the initiative’s launch, the process has gained momentum. Analysts say these high-profile comebacks signal Umno’s determination to consolidate its ranks and project a revitalised front ahead of the general election. – BY HARITH KAMAL Khairy had previously signalled his intention to return under the Rumah Bangsa agenda. He was expelled in January 2023 following internal disciplinary action, alongside former Sembrong division chief Hishammuddin and former Umno Youth deputy chief Shahril Hamdan. A prominent figure in Umno and Barisan Nasional, Khairy has held several key ministerial posts, including in Youth and Sports, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Health. He added that the initiative aims to restore cohesion within Umno, strengthen the party’s ranks and reaffirm its role as the leading political voice for Malays and Muslims. Earlier this month, Zahid announced that Umno is opening its doors to former members who had been expelled or suspended, allowing them to rejoin unconditionally.

“Umno is likely to deploy Khairy to contest urban seats previously held by PKR. But it remains unclear whether his popularity would translate into votes. Moreover, the Khairy-Zahid rivalry could resurface with his return.” Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Umno’s open-armed approach reflects confidence within the party leadership. “Khairy has criticised Umno in the past and may continue to voice concerns if needed. Yet, the leadership sees his return as a positive signal. Popular politicians are expected to strengthen Umno despite potential internal friction.” He added that the move demonstrates strategic flexibility ahead of the general election. comment that the party’s headquarters has received multiple letters from former members seeking to return and support the Rumah Bangsa initiative. Among them was a copy of a letter from Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein expressing his wish to have his suspension lifted. The former Umno vice-president was suspended for six years in January 2023. Zahid confirmed that Khairy’s application has been accepted and would be forwarded to the Rumah Bangsa reconciliation committee, chaired by Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, for review and endorsement. “Rumah Bangsa is about reuniting those who were once apart, bridging gaps and bringing us back together as one big family of struggle. What matters most is finding a path to unity, not letting divisions continue to separate us.”

Political homecoming not panacea, say analysts PETALING JAYA: Khairy Jamaluddin’s high-profile return to Umno could give the party a shot in the arm ahead of the general election, but analysts say it is no silver bullet. particularly in states where PAS has made inroads, such as Selangor and Penang.

Khairy, expelled from Umno in January 2023, formally submitted his application to party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday under the Rumah Bangsa initiative, seeking reinstatement of his membership. Pacific Research Centre principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said Khairy’s comeback carries symbolic weight. “Umno has hardly gained any additional support over the last three years. Now, it could use all the help it might get, including from former heavyweights, ahead of the general election.” He added that Khairy’s return could help Umno woo disenchanted urban voters,

PKR MPs urge govt to clarify status of US agreement PETALING JAYA: PKR backbenchers have called on the government to urgently clarify the status of the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), adding that uncertainty could expose the country to legal and political risks. In a joint statement yesterday, the MPs said the entire process must be transparent. process must be handled transparently,” they said, reiterating their call to suspend ratification until US tariff challenges are resolved. The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said the agreement became null and void following legal developments in the United States, rather than being formally terminated. The MPs also said minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani’s latest announcement failed “As we have previously urged (including in our media statement dated Feb 23), the ART

to address key questions, including whether Malaysia has formally written to Washington and if the United States has responded. They urged Putrajaya to clarify both governments’ positions, adding that unresolved issues could invite differing interpretations, especially under a future US administration. The MPs called on the ministry to issue a clearer statement reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to