S'gor Umno swipes at Zafrul, warns unity govt parties against 'poaching'

Summary

• Selangor Umno says Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s resignation from the party, with the reported intention to join PKR, undermines the federal coalition government’s camaraderie.

• A Selangor Umno leader also urges government component parties to refrain from “poaching” members from allies.

• A BN Youth leader also urges Zafrul to resign from his ministerial position.

Selangor Umno has made clear it will not compromise on loyalty and sincerity to the party’s struggle, following the sudden departure of former Kota Raja division chief Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Selangor Umno secretary Abdul Mutalif Abdul Rahim likened the investment, trade and industry minister’s resignation to an act that undermines the camaraderie within the coalition government.

“Therefore, we urge all component parties of the unity government to act more ethically and responsibly in preserving political harmony, and to refrain from the practice of ‘poaching members’ from fellow coalition partners,” said the Petaling Jaya Umno chief, as quoted by Berita Harian.

He said Zafrul’s move was unsurprising, citing recent political developments.

“Selangor Umno will not compromise when it comes to loyalty and sincerity towards the party’s struggle. His resignation is a personal decision that we respect, but it is not something unexpected.

“We want to emphasise that Umno’s struggle is not dependent on any one individual.

“This party has gone through various phases of challenges and betrayals, yet remains strong because its strength lies in its grassroots and unwavering principles that cannot be bought or sold,” he added, echoing Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan’s earlier remarks.

‘Step down as minister too’

Meanwhile, BN Youth exco member Anil Sandhu urged Zafrul to relinquish his ministerial post.

Anil, who also serves as Sabah Umno Youth treasurer, said Zafrul’s resignation should serve as a cautionary tale for government parties when forming their cabinet lineup.

“While we respect an individual’s right to make political decisions, such decisions must be aligned with the principles of accountability and dignity in party organisation.

“Quitting the party but clinging to positions sends the wrong message to the public - it suggests that positions are valued more than loyalty and the party struggle,” said the Lahad Datu Umno Youth chief.

“Umno has given Zafrul ample opportunity and trust since his entry into mainstream politics. Those opportunities and that trust, it is now clear, were not duly appreciated,” he added.

Zafrul announced his resignation from Umno last night, stating the decision was not made lightly and that he had consulted friends inside and outside the party, including Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Following his announcement, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party has yet to receive an official resignation letter.

PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, meanwhile, said the party has not received any membership application from Zafrul.

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