UMNO protests unity government ally for accepting its former member

UMNO will lodge an official protest note with a fellow component party in the Unity Government after it accepted a former UMNO member into its ranks, warning that such actions could undermine political harmony within the coalition.

UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the decision was reached during the party’s Supreme Council meeting held on Wednesday night at Menara Dato’ Onn, World Trade Centre.

"This protest is a stern warning which, if not addressed, could disrupt the relationship between component parties," he said in a statement on Thursday.

The matter reached a boiling point after the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, confirmed last Friday that he had joined the PKR Ampang branch.

Tengku Zafrul’s application was accepted shortly after he announced his resignation from UMNO on 30 May, relinquishing all positions, including as Supreme Council member and UMNO Kota Raja Division Chief.

His entry into PKR has sparked discontent within UMNO, with several leaders urging the party not to admit Zafrul, citing concerns over potential discord within the Unity Government.

PKR has nonetheless proceeded to welcome the former Finance Minister as a new member. - August 14, 2025