Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony within the unity government amidst rumors of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz possibly leaving Umno to join PKR.
Speaking after attending the 4th convocation ceremony of Kolej Ketengah at the World Trade Centre, Zahid stressed that coalition parties should refrain from recruiting members from one another to safeguard the alliance’s stability.
“Preserving unity within the coalition is paramount. Any personal agendas must be set aside if we want to prioritize our party’s interests,” Zahid stated, as reported by Bernama. He further remarked that party members who prioritize personal ambitions over collective goals would ultimately be judged by their peers.
Zahid’s comments came in response to speculation that Tengku Zafrul, the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, is considering joining PKR for a more prominent role in Selangor’s state government. A recent report from an unnamed news portal claimed Zafrul might leave Umno to advance his political career within PKR.
However, Zahid clarified that Zafrul has not discussed any such intentions with him. “As of now, there is no confirmation regarding this matter,” he told reporters.
The issue highlights broader concerns about party loyalty within the unity government, which consists of several political groups working together under a coalition framework. Zahid’s stance underscores the need for discipline and mutual respect among coalition members to maintain the alliance’s credibility and effectiveness.
Adding to the intrigue, there have been past instances of Umno leaders switching allegiance to other parties. One notable case is Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, the former Umno Padang Besar division chief, who joined PKR after being expelled from Umno. Zahidi had contested as an independent candidate in the 15th General Election but lost.
Recently, Zahidi, now the Padang Besar Madani Coordinator, attended the launch of a new PKR branch in Beseri, Perlis. He has publicly stated that his move to PKR was approved by its president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The speculation surrounding Zafrul has sparked debates about loyalty and strategic maneuvering within the ruling coalition. Zahid’s firm call for unity and his reminder to set aside personal interests reflect his efforts to ensure the coalition remains cohesive amidst potential political shifts.
As the rumors persist, coalition members will be closely watching how these dynamics unfold and whether the unity government can withstand the test of internal challenges.
Information Source: SCOOP
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