Umno says yet to get Zafrul's resignation letter, slams PKR crossover

Summary

• Despite Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz publicly announcing his resignation and intention to join PKR, Umno says it has not received an official resignation letter and views his move as a serious matter.

• Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki criticises the acceptance of coalition members by other parties, calling it inappropriate and warning it could cause division and distrust within the coalition government.

• PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh also said the party has yet to receive Zafrul’s membership form.

Umno has yet to receive an official resignation letter from its member, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, despite him publicly announcing his resignation and expressing his intention to join PKR last night.

In a statement, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that the party views Zafrul’s intention for his resignation seriously.

“It is highly inappropriate for any party within the unity government to accept members from other coalition parties indiscriminately,” said Asyraf.

He warned that such actions could trigger disharmony within the coalition and fuel ongoing prejudices and suspicions among grassroots members.

“This is to prevent disharmony among parties within the unity government, which could otherwise lead to ongoing prejudice and mistrust concerning the level of solidarity, sincerity, and honesty among grassroots members,” Asyraf said.

Meanwhile, PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, in a statement today, said the party has yet to receive Zafrul’s application to join.

“All membership applications to join PKR are submitted online. Each application goes through the usual process, whereby after it is submitted online, it will be processed and tabled at a central leadership council meeting.

“The application will be duly considered before a decision is made, taking into account various perspectives, including those of fellow partners in the unity government as well as grassroots opinions,” she said.

Resignation tendered

Zafrul, who is investment, trade and industry minister, tendered his resignation letter to Umno and announced his decision to join PKR last night.

The senator said the decision was not made easily and he had sought viewpoints and advice from friends both within and outside Umno, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said he had ruminated deeply on the decision as he had been an Umno member since 1997.

Zafrul said he has communicated his intention to join PKR to party president Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.

He added that he will undergo the standard application process to become a PKR member.

Cabinet reshuffle rumours

This comes amid reignited speculation of a cabinet shuffle after two PKR ministers - Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad - resigned from their cabinet posts.

In December, Anwar confirmed there were discussions within the party about Zafrul joining them. However, Asyraf said the party would never allow party hopping among members of the federal coalition government.

On Feb 10, Zafrul said he would discuss it with Zahid before deciding. Then, Zahid advised Zafrul not to make a hasty decision about leaving the party for PKR.

After that, Zafrul affirmed his commitment to Umno, saying his focus shifted from joining PKR to his own work as a minister.

Should have quit as minister too, Umno's Akmal tells Zafrul

No cabinet reshuffle while Rafizi, Nik Nazmi on leave - Anwar

Cabinet reshuffle needed following resignations, analysts say

Who’s in and out of Anwar’s next cabinet?

Post DAP polls, cabinet shuffle talk grows as Zafrul to exit in December

Zafrul: My focus is on work, not joining PKR