SHAH ALAM, Dec 15 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that preliminary discussions have taken place within the party regarding rumours of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz joining the party.
He said Keadilan is open to the participation of any individual, including Tengku Zafrul, as long as the person can contribute positively to the party.
“As a principle, we maintain an open stance — anyone who can contribute to the party is welcome, but their entry must be done properly to ensure our relationships with other parties, including Umno (remain unaffected),” Anwar told the press after opening the Keadilan Special National Congress today.
Previously, it was reported that that Tengku Zafrul would leave Umno to join Keadilan, alongside claims that he would take over as Selangor Menteri Besar, replacing Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, who is speculated to join the Federal Cabinet.
Elaborating on the matter, he emphasised that Keadilan does not practise inviting members of other parties to join its ranks but is open to discussions, as it maintains an inclusive stance.
Anwar added that in the past, some Keadilan leaders had moved on to become the secretary-general of Parti Amanah, as well as joined DAP.
“So, when it comes to Keadilan, we have always left the door open, but we usually engage in proper discussions,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar attended the congress, which, among other objectives, aimed to amend the party’s constitution.
The congress was convened after the 2024 Keadilan National Congress, scheduled to take place in Johor today, was postponed due to floods affecting several states.
He was received by top party leaders, including deputy president Rafizi Ramli, when he arrived for the congress, which was conducted in a hybrid format as some delegates were from flood-affected states.
Also present were Keadilan secretary-general Fuziah Salleh and information chief Fahmi Fadzil.
Previously, Fuziah said the Special Congress would, among others, make amendments to the party constitution related to the number of delegates, as well as gender and ethnic quotas.
The amendments would align with the principles of democratic participation, granting party members the right to vote for leaders in future elections.
— Bernama
