KUALA LUMPUR — Outgoing Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has cautioned that Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s shift from Umno to PKR could open a political floodgate, potentially destabilising the delicate balance within the unity government.
Rafizi, who was involved in drafting the unity government’s formal agreement, pointed out that the document does not clearly address whether coalition members may switch parties, local media reported.
“This is a grey area. The agreement doesn’t state whether it’s allowed or not,” he said at the Madani Youth Carnival in Ampang on Sunday (June 1), as quoted by The Star.
He acknowledged that Umno’s concerns arise from the need to preserve harmony among coalition partners.
“Party hopping is something that should have been avoided, as it could open a door to consequences we can’t foresee,” Rafizi added, stressing that such moves risk setting a precedent difficult to manage.
“If one Umno member joins PKR, how do you draw the line? These are matters that will eventually have to be discussed at the unity government level,” he said.
When asked about Tengku Zafrul’s future role in PKR, Rafizi declined to comment, suggesting the matter be directed to Tengku Zafrul or PKR’s current leadership.
“Better to ask Tengku Zafrul himself. Ask him what his plans are. If you’re asking about PKR’s plans, ask the new PKR leadership,” he said. Rafizi also emphasised that his resignation as a Member of Parliament and grassroots leader was a personal decision unrelated to these developments.
On whether PKR would entertain reciprocal party-hopping if other parties targeted its leaders, Rafizi deferred to the party’s senior leadership, saying, “That question should be asked to the central leadership—the president, deputy president and others. I’m just a division chief.”
The former PKR deputy president further highlighted the uncertainty Tengku Zafrul’s acceptance into PKR might cause within the unity government.
“This will need to be discussed among unity government components because this is a grey area,” he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
Rafizi urged caution, warning that admitting Tengku Zafrul “should be avoided because it opens the door to uncertainty.” He questioned, “Where do you draw the line when Umno leaders criticise (the move)?”
He also acknowledged the validity of Umno’s concerns, saying they “deserve the attention of the unity government’s leaders.”
Umno’s secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki criticised the acceptance of members from allied parties as “very inappropriate.”
Umno has instructed its legal bureau to examine the implications of Tengku Zafrul’s resignation in light of the party hopping law and his status as senator.
Meanwhile, Umno information chief Datuk Azalina Othman Said emphasised that although individuals have the right to make political choices, Cabinet appointments are tied to party representation.
“While the prime minister chairs the national unity council, Cabinet ministers are appointed as the party’s representatives there,” she explained.
On Friday, Tengku Zafrul confirmed his resignation from Umno and all party posts. He also informed PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Datuk Seri Fuziah Salleh of his intention to join PKR. - June 1, 2025
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