KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan), if accepted, could further strengthen the party, especially in Selangor, said Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
He expressed confidence that he and the investment, trade and industry minister could forge even stronger cooperation if they were in the same party.
“I believe we can work closely together. In fact, we already have a good working relationship, even during his time as finance minister.
“Now, in his current role, we continue to collaborate, particularly in key sectors such as aerospace and semiconductors.
"If we are in the same party, I believe this cooperation can be further enhanced,” he told reporters after officiating the MyLesen B2 Driving Licence Programme at Dewan Seri Siantan in Selayang today.
Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul announced on Facebook that he had resigned from Umno and expressed his intention to join Keadilan.
Keadilan secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh confirmed today that the party has yet to receive a formal membership application from Tengku Zafrul.
Amirudin, who is also Keadilan vice-president, said he was confident that the party’s ties with Umno would remain intact, as both sides have built a foundation of mutual understanding.
Responding to speculation that Tengku Zafrul’s move could be linked to efforts to replace him as Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin dismissed the suggestion.
“To me, that’s far-fetched. I don’t see it happening, especially since it would require a by-election.
“We have only two and a half years left in this term, so there isn’t much room for such changes. We’ll wait and see how things unfold,” said the Sungai Tua state assemblyman and Gombak MP.
On a lighter note, Amirudin jokingly asked Tengku Zafrul, who will soon be performing the Haj pilgrimage, to pray for him to remain as the Menteri Besar.
At a separate event, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said he respected Tengku Zafrul's decision to leave the party and pursue a political direction more aligned with his personal views.
Mohamad said the move was neither surprising nor unusual, given the increasingly dynamic and diverse political landscape in the country.
He said every individual has the right to choose their political path, adding that Umno will continue to move forward, focusing on rebuilding the party’s strength and championing the people’s interests.
The foreign minister said Umno has never relied on any single individual, as the party was built on grassroots strength, a spirit of struggle and the trust of the people.
“People come and go, and that’s the nature of politics. What matters is that the struggle must go on,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Mohamad also expressed appreciation for Tengku Zafrul’s contributions during his tenure in the government under Umno's banner.
— Bernama
