PETALING JAYA: Khairy Jamaluddin’s political career is not over even if the top two posts in Umno are not contested, say political commentators.

Phoon Wing Keong, a political commentator, said Khairy, in his 40s, still has a long way to go in politics.

He may not be able to contest the top two posts in Umno, but can still run for vice presidency and a position in the supreme council, said Phoon.

Unless Khairy gives up and does not contest other positions in the party election, then it’s game over for him, he said.

“Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is embroiled in court cases. Even if he survives this party election, his position as party president is unstable if the next court judgment is not in his favor. Uncertainties loom in the next two years,” he said.

Phoon is of the view that Khairy should contest the vice presidency or a post in the supreme council so that he could continue to play a role in the party leadership.

It was reported that a group of Umno divisional leaders, who claimed to have the support of 140 divisions, are against the top two posts being contested in the party elections.

Khairy claimed it was “madness” to stop people from contesting the top two party posts.

The Umno general assembly is currently being held from January 11 to 14.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jeniri Amir, another political commentator, also agrees that Khairy’s political career will not end here even if he does not contest the top two posts in Umno.

“Khairy can run for vice presidency or supreme council to test the water at this level,” he said.

“If Khairy loses, it means he is not accepted by the party. Then he will need to revise his strategy to be in line with the party’s culture,” he added.

Dr. Jeniri sees Khairy as a charming political leader with quality who still has the chance even though the path seems dark for him.

“Umno needs leaders like Khairy to lead the change,” he said.

Dr. Jeniri sees that Khairy has a promising future in Umno.