Batu Kawan Umno deputy chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan was propelled into the limelight last week after he broke party ranks and lodged a police report against Putrajaya's controversial sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

His move against what is seen as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's pet project raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the grassroots politician who hails from Bukit Mertajam.

Even though Khairuddin insisted he is only a "minor" ( kerdil ) Umno member, this is not the first time he had stood on the national stage and his name remains unforgettable among senior Umno leaders...