Perikatan Nasional is counting on former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin to join the coalition due to his formidable character and skills as part of Umno's leadership, according to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.

Malay daily Berita Harian quoted Takiyuddin as saying that while there has been no final decision from Khairy, the former Umno Youth chief had indicated to PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin his intentions to join PN.

"PN is hoping for 'something' from Khairy (above), a former leader in a large party, who was suddenly expelled.

"He required a suitable platform for his political future, and at this moment, PN is the best choice," Takiyuddin reportedly said last night after a PN ceramah in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan, held as a series in the run-up to the state elections.

Further, Takiyuddin revealed that Khairy recently met with Muhyiddin to discuss his options and that another meeting will be held soon.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan

The former Rembau MP, in a recent episode of his "Keluar Sekejap" podcast with suspended former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan, had confirmed that he would meet with Muhyiddin sometime next week.

Last month, Muhyiddin offered Khairy a Bersatu supreme council position if he agreed to join the party and PN.

Khairy was sacked from Umno in January as part of a purge against dissidents to party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

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