'People come and go', Tok Mat takes Zafrul's departure in his stride

Summary

• Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan, unlike others in his party, takes a diplomatic stance over Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s departure from the party.

• He says such matters are not unusual in politics, given the increasingly dynamic nature of Malaysian politics.

• Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani also states that Zafrul’s decision would not affect the party’s ties with PKR.

Despite brickbats hurled by several Umno leaders against Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz for leaving the party, others within the fold seemed to take the matter in stride.

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said he respected Zafrul’s move to pursue a political direction more aligned with his personal views.

He also said the move was neither surprising nor unusual, given the increasingly dynamic and diverse political landscape in the country.

“People come and go, and that’s the nature of politics. What matters is that the struggle must go on,” Bernama reported Mohamad (above) as saying today.

Yesterday, Zafrul tendered his resignation letter to Umno and announced his decision to join PKR.

The investment, trade, and industry minister said the decision was not made easily and he had sought advice from friends within and outside Umno, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Several Umno leaders have hurled brickbats at Zafrul over his decision, with party supreme council member Puad Zarkashi saying he could be liable for RM100 million in damages for allegedly breaching his pledge as a BN candidate.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh also said Zafrul should quit his ministerial position, adding party members were “absolutely delighted” by his departure.

Appreciating Zafrul

Mohamad, however, expressed appreciation for Zafrul’s contributions during his tenure in the government under Umno’s banner.

He said Zafrul had played a significant role as a technocrat, contributing to the country’s economic and financial sectors.

As for Umno, Mohamad, who is also the foreign minister, said Umno will continue to move forward, focusing on rebuilding the party’s strength and championing the people’s interests.

He stressed that 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.

Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani, meanwhile, said Umno’s ties with PKR remain unaffected over Zafrul’s decision.

“For example, as a minister, I have a duty to develop the country.

“So, this is normal in politics (Zafrul’s departure) and it shouldn’t affect ties in the coalition government or country,” Bernama reported him as saying.

Unhappy MCA leader

An MCA leader does not seem to share Mohamad and Johari’s sentiment.

“The BN minister leaving us for Pakatan Harapan is an affront to our coalition.

“It proves there is a lack of sincerity between BN-Harapan ties,” said MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong in a statement today.

As such, he urged BN leaders to call for a meeting to discuss the coalition’s future moving forward, in addition to strengthening ties among members of the coalition.

“BN is a symbol of stability and a pillar of the nation’s development, and we have proven ourselves since independence.

“Therefore, we must always protect our dignity and strengthen the coalition for future generations,” Neow added.

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