A news report had speculated that Umno may field Khairy Jamaluddin in Kuala Pilah.

According to Sinar Harian, an Umno source said that Khairy needed a "safe seat” that would ensure his victory because he was considered an asset to the party.

"Therefore, the Port Dickson seat is not suitable for Khairy. There are suggestions to field him for Kuala Pilah. We'll see," said the source.