No plans to contest in by-election, says Zafrul

Summary

• Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz denies claims he’s part of a political move to get him to contest in a by-election.

• He says he’ll continue his duties as a senator until the end of his term in December.

• The minister says he leaves his cabinet post up to the prime minister’s discretion.

Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has denied claims that he is part of a purported political move to get him to contest a by-election at the federal or state level.

Fresh from completing the haj pilgrimage, he said he felt compelled to clarify several matters regarding his decision to leave Umno and his application to join PKR.

“Firstly, regarding the rumours of me contesting in any by-election, whether at the federal or state level, I wish to clarify that no such discussion has ever taken place, and it was not a factor in my decision-making process.

“I personally disagree with the idea of triggering a by-election without urgent necessity, as it involves both the people’s time and public funds,” he said in a Facebook post this afternoon.

Zafrul said he would continue to fulfil his duties as a senator until the end of his term in December this year.

“As for my position as a minister, I leave the matter entirely to the discretion of the prime minister.

“I am always ready to serve the country in any capacity. I left the corporate world with the intention to serve, and as long as my service is needed, I am willing to contribute without needing a position,” he added.

Zafrul is a former group CEO of CIMB Group Holdings, ex-CEO of CIMB Bank, and ex-CEO of Maybank Investment Bank.

He said his decision to leave Umno was entirely his personal choice, and not made under any pressure.

He also expressed his gratitude to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the party’s supreme council, and grassroots members - especially those from the Kota Raja division - for their support throughout his tenure in the party.

Selangor MB speculation

On May 30, Zafrul announced that he submitted his resignation letter to Umno and decided to join PKR.

This reignited speculation that Zafrul might contest a state seat in Selangor and eventually be appointed menteri besar.

However, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari denied that the Sungai Tua seat, which he won in the 2023 state election, would be vacated.

Amirudin has also dismissed speculation that he will step down from the menteri besar post he has held for almost seven years to make way for Zafrul.

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