KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has declined to comment on his Cabinet position following his exit from Umno, saying he is leaving the matter entirely to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking to reporters before departing for haj with his family, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said his priority now is to focus on the pilgrimage and personal reflection.
“I have no comment on the ministerial post. I want to focus on my haj with my family and I leave everything to the prime minister,” he said.
Zafrul also reaffirmed that his decision to leave Umno and express intent to join PKR was made of his own accord and not due to external pressure.
“This was not an easy decision, but I have thought deeply about it. It was entirely my own choice and I appreciate those who respect my right to determine my political direction,” he said, reiterating that he had informed PKR president Anwar and secretary-general Fuziah Salleh of his intent to join the party.
He also thanked Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and fellow party members for their support during his years in the party.
“I am grateful to those who stood by me during my time in Umno. For now, I ask everyone to give me space and pray that all goes smoothly for me, my wife and family during our time in the holy land,” he added.
His remarks come amid questions over the status of his ministerial portfolio, which Zahid has indicated should be returned to the party.
Zahid today confirmed that Umno has formally received Zafrul’s resignation letter and will be seeking to retain its full quota of seven ministers in the federal Cabinet.
“Although we are unsure if his appointment was on Umno’s ticket, we had assumed he represented us. Now that he is no longer with Umno, we believe it is fair to request that the seat be returned,” Zahid said, adding that the matter would be raised with the prime minister.
He also said Umno’s legal team would review whether Zafrul had breached any contractual obligations from the 15th General Election, including a clause that may allow the party to seek RM100 million in compensation from defectors.
Zafrul, who joined Umno in 1997, was appointed as a Senator after losing the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat in GE15.
Fuziah, meanwhile, confirmed that PKR has yet to receive a formal application for membership from Zafrul. – May 31, 2025
The post Let PM decide on ministerial role, I’m focusing on haj: Zafrul appeared first on Scoop.