PETALING JAYA: After health minister Khairy Jamaluddin announces that he is not defending Rembau parliamentary seat, all eyes are on his next move.

Sin Chew Daily has learned that if Khairy were to remain in Negeri Sembilan, he is likely to contest Port Dickson parliamentary seat where Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the incumbent.

There are signs indicating that Anwar is unlikely to remain in Port Dickson.

Hence, a tough fight between Anwar and Khairy will not be taking place.

Based on Umno’s practice, besides the party president, division chairman gets to decide on the candidacy too.

Sin Chew Daily confirmed that Mohd Faisal Ramli, the Port Dickson Umno division chairman, was appointed Khairy’s special affairs officer earlier this year.

Hence, the likelihood for Khairy to contest in Port Dickson is high.

Sources from Umno also said Khairy was keen too.

It is learned that after Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohammad Hasan set his eyes on Rembau parliamentary seat, Khairy started to look for another parliamentary seat.

Port Dickson is one of the seats Khairy may opt to contest.

Both MIC and Umno are positive about Khairy being fielded in Port Dickson.

If Khairy runs in Port Dickson, he may help Barisan National recapture Port Dickson judging from his outstanding ministerial performance, the expected low voter turnout and weak sentiment towards the opposition.

Khairy has attended events in Port Dickson many times in his capacity as health minister.

Another seat Khairy may be fielded is Putrajaya.

Anwar shows no interest in defending Port Dickson will likely field PKR vice chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun there instead.

Anwar contested the Port Dickson by-election in 2018 with an eye on the prime minister post.

It is learned that Aminuddin has been instructed by Anwar to switch from a state seat to a parliamentary seat.

Aminuddin ran for Port Dickson chairman in the recent PKR election, and the possibility for him to contest in Port Dickson in the general election cannot be ruled out.

PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil told Sin Chew Daily Port Dickson would still be Anwar’s best option.

“People in Port Dickson want him to stay, and he has not planned to contest another seat,” said Fahmi.