Former Malaysian MP quits DAP but vows to help Khairy in next election

Ong Kian Ming has left Malaysia’s Democratic Action Party, but he says his political departure will not prevent him from helping Khairy Jamaluddin at the next general election.

The former Bangi member of parliament resigned from DAP effective Aug. 31. He said he does not plan to join another political party and will not seek to stand as a candidate in the next election.

“I'm not planning to join another political party in the near future and I will not be seeking to contest as a candidate in the next general election,” Ong said. He added that he remained committed to a promise made on Jan. 10, 2026, to help Khairy campaign in the 16th general election if Khairy is given a seat to contest.

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I'm not planning to join another political party in the near future and I will not be seeking to contest as a candidate in the next general election.

Khairy, a former health minister, returned to Umno in April 2026, three years after the party sacked him. Malaysia must hold its federal election by early 2028.

Ong said he would continue serving the country through other means, including his podcast, “Are We OK”, advisory positions and work with people who share his interests. He joined DAP in 2012 and represented Serdang from 2013 to 2018 and Bangi from 2018 to 2022. He also served as deputy investment, trade and industry minister from 2018 to 2020.

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I remain committed to fulfilling the promise I made on Jan 10, 2026, to help Khairy Jamaluddin campaign in GE16, if he is given a seat to run in.