13/05/2026

WEDNESDAY | MAY 13, 2026

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Khairy’s return to Umno sparks debate

o Comeback has strategic value but impact depends on whether party embraces reformist narrative: Academic

without giving him a major role in shaping the party’s direction, then the impact may be limited to political cosmetics,” he noted. On Sungai Buloh, Tawfik said the seat would remain competitive if Khairy is fielded again, although Ramanan has the advantage of incumbency and ministerial status. Khairy was initially sacked from Umno on Jan 27, 2023 for breaching party discipline during the 15th general election. He submitted his appeal to rejoin Umno on March 15, with the Supreme Council approving his return on April 17 under the Gagasan Rumah Bangsa initiative. Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed that Khairy was among 6,252 former members accepted back, alongside Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar.

Sungai Buloh could favour Khairy if dissatisfaction with Ramanan persists among PKR supporters. “If it is Ramanan against Khairy, I think Khairy’s chances are bright. To punish Ramanan, Khairy may become the choice.” Universiti Malaya professor Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Khairy’s comeback carries symbolic and strategic value but added that Umno must decide whether to use him as a public-facing asset or part of a deeper internal reset. “His influence is strong among young voters, urban professionals and the middle class. However, Umno’s weakness remains in rural Malay-majority seats where PAS and PN have made inroads.” He said Khairy’s impact depends on whether Umno embraces his reformist narrative. “If Umno only brings Khairy back

Some Umno insiders have expressed their reservations over the return of the former Rembau MP but declined to elaborate, while others such as Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor and Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan did not respond at press time. Political analysts said Khairy still carries value for Umno but may not guarantee a wider BN revival. International Islamic University Malaysia associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri said Khairy’s influence is strongest among urban voters, especially after his 2023 expulsion kept him outside party structures. “He is seen as having the calibre of a national leader. He could help Umno win over young voters, provided he balances his intellectualism with the language of the average Malay.” She added that a rematch in

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Khairy’s also renewed speculation over whether he could contest Sungai Buloh again, where he narrowly lost to PKR’s Datuk Seri R. Ramanan Ramakrishnan during the 15th general election. Lokman noted that the matter would be complicated if Barisan Nasional (BN) remains aligned with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as the seat is currently held by PH. “If the party remains with PH, then the seat belongs to PH. To vacate the seat, there must be an agreement for a swap.” re-entry has

PETALING JAYA: The return to Umno of Khairy Jamaluddin may give the party a recognisable figure to attract urban Malays and younger voters, although questions remain over how smoothly his comeback will be received within party ranks. Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam said he respects party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s decision to allow Khairy back but declined further comment.

Long payment terms impairing ad agencies PETALING JAYA: The growing practice of extended payment terms imposed by some advertisers is placing unsustainable financial pressure on advertising agencies and threatening the long-term health of the industry, according to the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia. Its president Tan Kien Eng said payment cycles that were once typically settled within 30 days have increasingly stretched to 120 days or longer, effectively forcing agencies to finance clients’ marketing campaigns upfront. “Advertising agencies are not banks. Yet, we are increasingly being placed in a position in which we are expected to fund campaigns upfront, absorb operational costs and at the same time wait months to be paid.” Tan said the issue is particularly severe in campaign production, in which agencies must pay third-party vendors, such as production houses and talent providers, well in advance while client payments are delayed. He noted that the delay creates serious cash flow mismatches, especially as agencies are people-driven businesses, with talent costs accounting for up to 80% of operational expenses. “When payments are delayed, it directly affects our ability to pay our people on time, invest in new capabilities and retain the best talent. Ultimately, this weakens the quality of work delivered to clients.” Tan said the issue is beginning to affect the wider industry ecosystem, as agencies accepting such terms risk setting unhealthy precedents that could erode professional standards across the sector. He explained that many advertisers promote strong governance and ethical business practices, but extended payment terms contradict those principles by shifting the financial burden onto agencies. He urged advertisers to return to more reasonable payment cycles, encouraging agencies to closely monitor payment timelines and hold clearer discussions with clients regarding payment expectations. “Agencies should be prepared to push back on unfair terms. Industry-wide alignment is critical to ensure a sustainable ecosystem.” Tan also said Malaysia should explore policy measures to encourage fair payment practices, including greater transparency in payment terms among large organisations. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

MMEA saves 23 illegal immigrants after boat capsizes IPOH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) rescued 23 illegal Indonesian immigrants after the boat they were travelling in capsized in the waters off Pulau Pangkor near Lumut on Monday. the Manjung district police headquarters.” He said preliminary investigations revealed that 37 illegal immigrants are believed to have been on board the boat.

The vessel was intercepted 5.2 nautical miles southeast of Pulau Samak at 6.39pm. Inspections found that the vessel was operated by three Myanmar crew members, including a skipper, aged between 42 and 45. “All crew members are suspected of committing offences under the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing within less than 15 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline, as well as not possessing valid identification documents under the Immigration Act 1959/63.” He added that the crew members, vessel, fishing equipment and marine produce, estimated at more than RM3 million, were seized and taken to the Kampung Acheh Marine Police Jetty for further investigation. – Bernama

The remaining passengers are missing and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing. He added that authorities recovered three bags containing clothing believed to belong to the victims, and identification procedures are being carried out on the survivors. “Initial investigations found that all of them are believed to have departed from Kisaran, Indonesia on Saturday en route to Malaysia.” In a separate case, Mohamad Shukri said the MMEA detained a Class C fishing vessel during an enforcement operation conducted on Sunday.

Perak MMEA director Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the agency received a report at 5.30am from a local fisherman who discovered several victims floating at sea and sought assistance. A search-and-rescue operation was launched, with two MMEA vessels deployed, assisted by the Marine Police Force, the navy and members of the local fishing community. “A local fishing vessel rescued 16 men and seven women, all of whom have been handed over to authorities for further investigation at

The charge is framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or up to 40 years’ jail and not fewer than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction. – BERNAMAPIC

Teen charged with murder of female college student KOTA BHARU: A teenager was charged in the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday with the murder of a female college student whose body was found with 61 stab wounds about two weeks ago. Ketereh between 11.40pm on April 30 and 12.20am on May 1.

The court fixed July 2 for mention for the submission of documents, including the forensic report. On May 1, the body was discovered on a roadside near the Kampung Simah padi fields. Police believe she was killed elsewhere before her body was dumped in the area. Following the incident, police detained four individuals aged between 19 and 66 to assist in investigations. Two senior citizens, including a woman, were later released on police bail after being remanded for three days. – Bernama

The charge is framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or up to 40 years’ jail and not fewer than 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction. The prosecution was conducted by Kelantan Prosecution director Wan Azimah Yaacob, with DPPs Muhamad Nadzir Abdullah and Ahmad Naabil Mohamed Asri, while the accused was represented by lawyer Mohd Alias Ibrahim.

Muhammad Hazim Muhammad, 19, nodded after the charge was read out before Magistrate Rais Imran Hamid. However, no plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court. He is charged with murdering Nurfisya Zulkifly, 19, in Jalan Pengkalan Piah,