PKR accepting Zafrul exposes Harapan-BN cracks - Bersatu Youth

A Bersatu Youth leader has accused PKR of disregarding Umno’s warning by accepting Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz as a member, claiming it reflects growing tensions within the Pakatan Harapan-BN alliance.

In a statement today, Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid said the move puts the loyalty and camaraderie between PKR and Umno to the test.

“It is publicly known that Zafrul has left Umno and applied to join PKR.

“On May 30, the Umno secretary-general firmly stated that it was inappropriate for any component party to accept Zafrul’s membership to avoid disharmony. Loyalty, sincerity, and honesty would also be affected,” said Harris.

At the time, Umno secretary-general Ashraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party had yet to receive Zafrul’s resignation letter, but that it viewed the matter seriously.

Yesterday, Zafrul reportedly confirmed that his application to join PKR was accepted about two weeks ago and that he is now an official member of the party’s Ampang division.

Harris further claimed PKR’s decision to confirm Zafrul’s membership showed it had no regard for Umno’s position.

“This action also serves as a reminder to Umno that they are merely passengers, not drivers, in this government,” he added.

He further argued that Zafrul’s departure from Umno bolstered perceptions that the party no longer reflects the aspirations of Malaysians, pointing to its performance in the last general and state elections.

Zafrul contested the Kuala Selangor seat in the 2022 general election but lost to current Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad in a four-cornered fight.

Beyond Zafrul’s membership, Harris claimed developments leading up to the upcoming Sabah election are also evidence of unsustainable ties between Harapan and BN.

“In Sabah, Harapan has allied with BN and also separately with GRS. In other words, Harapan does not care what happens to BN - what matters is Harapan’s survival.

“The loyalty and sincerity of Harapan-BN are limited to ensuring that the Putrajaya elite remain comfortable and protected,” he claimed.

Despite the animosity between BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during a visit to Sabah earlier this month, stressed that the priority remains to avoid three-cornered fights that could split the government bloc and confuse Sabah voters.

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