Zafrul says undecided on PKR, denies talks about MB post

Summary:

• Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz reveals early talks with PKR did not involve discussions about positions.

• The Umno member also says that he is undecided, and will inform the Umno leadership formally if a decision is made.

• Zafrul is looking for a political platform that suits his agenda of "nation building".

Umno supreme council member Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz admitted he had engaged in talks with PKR, but said he had not yet made a decision.

However, he denied that the talks involved discussions on positions.

"I wish to stress that during this early discussion, there had been no talks about positions at the state level or to have a by-election.

“Regardless, I have not yet made a decision," he said in a statement today.

Zafrul added that if he were to arrive at a decision, he would be courteous about it and inform Umno formally.

Previously, speculation was rife that Zafrul would be joining PKR, with one portal claiming that plans were afoot to have the senator contest in a by-election so that he could take over as Selangor menteri besar.

This is as the investment, trade and industry minister’s time in government would end in December next year once he hits his term limit as a senator.

Umno, in response, objected to party hopping within the coalition government.

Nation’s development is the goal

Commenting on the matter, Zafrul lamented how no one from the party had contacted him to find out the truth.

The Kota Raja Umno division chief said he had moved on from the corporate world to join the government so that he could serve the people and contribute to the nation's development.

He said in doing so, his political focus is also on doing a good job for the people's benefit.

"I believe Malaysians are sick and tired of unhealthy and petty politics, including unfounded behind-the-scenes attacks, sabotage, and so on.

"I am confident what the people want is not extreme politics, but for us all to make an effort to develop the country and its people," he stressed.

Zafrul added that it is public knowledge that he had voiced frustrations with Selangor Umno, but the state party chapter remains unchanged.

"As such, in choosing a suitable political platform to develop the country and its people, as I have stated, I had talks with PKR," he said.

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