By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 31: Federal Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has announced his resignation from United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), marking the end of his 28-year association with the party.
In a statement last night (May 30), Tengku Zafrul said he has submitted a resignation letter to UMNO’s top leadership, relinquishing his positions as Supreme Council member, Kota Raja Division Chief and party member.
“This was not an easy decision. Before coming to this conclusion, I consulted friends from within and outside the party, including the UMNO president himself (Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zahid Hamidi),” he shared.
Tengku Zafrul, who joined UMNO in 1997, said he took considerable time to reflect before making the move, citing “compatibility and suitability” as the key reasons behind his decision.
At the same time, he revealed that he has expressed his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and will undergo the standard application process to become a member.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friends, supporters and fellow UMNO members who have given me unwavering support throughout my time in the party. Your contributions will always be remembered,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul’s term as senator is scheduled to conclude in December, coinciding with the end of his tenure as a minister.
Speculation over his departure from UMNO and possible move to PKR had been circulating since he stepped down as Selangor UMNO treasurer in April last year.
There have also been rumours suggesting that he is being considered as a potential candidate for the Selangor Menteri Besar post.
His exit from UMNO comes shortly after two PKR stalwarts–Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad–stepped down from their posts as Economy Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, respectively.
Rafizi had lost his bid to retain the deputy presidency in the recent PKR party elections, while Nik Nazmi failed to defend his position as vice-president. — DayakDaily
