PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Politician-turned-podcaster Khairy Jamaluddin today dismissed rumours that he would make a comeback to the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The former minister who was expelled from Umno in 2023 said he is currently satisfied with his business pursuits and highlighted his enthusiasm for promoting Malaysian products through his podcast.

“I’m living my best life; why would I want to leave this?” Khairy replied to reporters when asked to comment on the viral speculations.

“I enjoy working with brands and promoting Malaysian products,” he added at the launch of popular tea brand Tealive’s three-in-one sachets at IOI City Mall here.

Khairy’s appearance at the Tealive event, where he was the guest of honour, marked the brand’s entry into the fast-moving consumer goods market.

His presence underlined his ongoing commitment to working with local brands, particularly through his podcast, where he has actively spotlighted Malaysian enterprises.

Political observers had speculated about Khairy’s possible return to the Cabinet following the resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from their ministerial posts.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz also recently announced his departure from Umno, adding that he was planning to join PKR and that he would leave it up to the prime minister to decide if he will continue as a Cabinet member.

Anwar has so far signalled that he has no plans to change the Cabinet line-up, saying he had only approved leave requests for Rafizi and Nik Nazmi who are both from his party, PKR.

“There is no need for any drastic changes or Cabinet reshuffles.

The ministers have been given time to reflect on what they want to do, and they are currently on leave. I have only approved their leave requests,” Anwar told reporters when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025 on June 1.

He gave an assurance that his government remains fully operational and that other ministers will be assigned to cover the duties of those on leave.