SINGAPORE: In a significant political move, Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, has resigned from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) to join Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). This decision, announced on 30 May 2024, follows a tumultuous period within the coalition government, marked by the resignation of two other cabinet ministers.
Key Details of the Resignation
- Tengku Zafrul announced his resignation as an UMNO supreme council member and a Kota Raja division chief.
- He stated that leaving UMNO was a tough decision, emphasising he sought advice from friends before proceeding.
- The minister has begun the application process to officially join PKR and acknowledged the support he received during his UMNO tenure.
Reactions from Political Heads
The response to Tengku Zafrul’s departure has been mixed. UMNO President and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed dismay, noting it was “unethical for any parties within the unity government to accept another member from an ally.” His concerns include safeguarding UMNO’s quota of seven ministers in the cabinet following Zafrul’s exit.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reassured that Zafrul’s ministerial roles would remain unchanged as his expertise is vital to Malaysia’s investment portfolio.
Speculations and Future Prospects
While Zafrul’s move to PKR might seem straightforward, it has ignited speculations about potential shifts in government dynamics. Notably, his resignation occurred just after the exits of Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from PKR.
Potential Legal Repercussions
Zahid indicated that UMNO’s legal team would investigate whether Zafrul breached a 2022 agreement when he ran as a candidate for Barisan Nasional. This agreement stipulates a hefty RM100 million (approximately US$23.5 million) penalty for departing members.
Political analysts have pointed out that this defection adds pressure to the unity government, as it navigates the complexities of political loyalty and representation. It is seen as an opportunity for PKR to bolster its credibility and influence within the coalition.
Local Implications
As Zafrul progresses through the application process to join PKR, political observers will be watching closely to see how this change impacts Malaysia’s governance structure in the months ahead. With only two-and-a-half years left in the current term, swift adjustments within the party hierarchy may be necessary.