Khairy Jamaluddin

Khairy Jamaluddin visiting US Embassy KL (cropped)

Khairy Jamaluddin (born 10 January 1976) is a Malaysian politician. He is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a major political party in Malaysia. Khairy has held various significant positions in the Malaysian government and is known for his contributions to the country's political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Khairy was born in Kuwait City, Kuwait. He is the son of Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, a former diplomat, and Rahmah Abdul Hamid. Khairy received his early education at the United World College of South East Asia in Singapore. He later attended the University of Oxford, where he studied at St Hugh's College, Oxford and graduated with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He also holds a Master's degree in Legal and Political Theory from University College London.

Political Career

Khairy began his political career as a special officer to the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He quickly rose through the ranks of UMNO, becoming the Deputy Chief of the UMNO Youth wing in 2004. In 2009, he was elected as the Chief of UMNO Youth, a position he held until 2018.

Ministerial Positions

Khairy has held several ministerial positions in the Malaysian government. He was appointed as the Minister of Youth and Sports in 2013, where he served until 2018. During his tenure, he was instrumental in promoting youth development and sports in Malaysia. In 2020, he was appointed as the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. In this role, he played a crucial part in Malaysia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the procurement and distribution of vaccines.

Personal Life

Khairy is married to Nori Abdullah, the daughter of former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The couple has three children. Khairy is known for his active lifestyle and has participated in various sports, including football and rugby.

Controversies

Throughout his political career, Khairy has been involved in several controversies. These include allegations of corruption and misuse of power, which he has consistently denied. Despite these controversies, he remains a prominent figure in Malaysian politics.

Legacy and Impact

Khairy Jamaluddin is considered one of the most influential young leaders in Malaysia. His contributions to youth development, sports, and the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic have left a lasting impact on Malaysian society.

See Also

• United Malays National Organisation
• Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
• COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia
• Ministry of Youth and Sports (Malaysia)
• Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Malaysia)