Zafrul's move creating friction between Umno, PKR - Adam

Summary

• PKR central leadership council member Adam Adli Abdul Halim says Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s decision to leave Umno for PKR is creating tension between both parties.

• However, he believes both parties’ leadership would resolve the matter amicably.

Ties between Umno and PKR may become tense if Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz is accepted into PKR, said Adam Adli Abdul Halim.

As such, the PKR central leadership council member hoped the matter could be resolved amicably to ensure ties between coalition government parties remain strong.

“I cannot deny that this is creating some friction (between PKR and Umno). So, let’s tread very carefully.

“But I believe both parties will resolve this amicably. For now, the (PKR) secretary-general has mentioned that there is no application, so let’s leave it to the process,” Adam told Malaysiakini today.

The deputy youth and sports minister said this after participating in a colloquium organised by Universiti Malaya’s Law Faculty.

Yesterday, Zafrul said he 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 sought advice from friends within and outside Umno, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zafrul’s experience an ‘asset’

Meanwhile, PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim noted that discussions for Zafrul to join PKR have been ongoing for more than a year.

He opines that Zafrul’s entry could help attract broader support for PKR’s goals to build a more progressive, just, and inclusive nation.

“This aligns with PKR’s ongoing commitment to promoting politics grounded in ideas, expertise, and integrity.

“His experience is seen as an asset that can add value to PKR.

“I believe PKR’s openness in welcoming professional figures is evidence that the party continues to grow as a mature platform that is ready to lead Malaysia into the future,” he said on X.

But he said that Zafrul’s application must go through the party’s procedures.

Umno leaders’ uproar

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.

However, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan played down Zafrul’s move, saying it’s normal for people to come and go given the current dynamics of Malaysian politics.

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COMMENT | Zafrul was never elected