KUALA LUMPUR – Senator Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has resigned as Selangor Umno treasurer effective today.
Announcing this via a Facebook post, he said the party’s resurgence in the state was seen as bland and not in line with Umno’s theme at the central level.
“I see how Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the party’s top leadership never stop charting the way for the revival of the party at the central level.
“But no matter how great the central planning is, in Selangor, the implementation seems bland, and there are times when it is not in line with the central theme,” he said.
The investment, trade and industry minister said that the approach and principle he practised were simple: if he could not contribute to positive change or improvement, then he should not hold a position.
“In fact, it’s better that I vacate the post so that someone who can contribute more effectively can take over.
“Therefore, effective today, I am resigning as Selangor Umno treasurer,” said Tengku Zafrul.
He said Selangor was a very important state for any political party looking to establish a foothold.
“The complex demographics with a Malay-Bumiputera majority base, coupled with a balance of urban and rural areas, reflect the broader dynamics of Malaysia.
“The dynamism of the economy has consistently positioned Selangor as the focal point of all activities,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul said that when he was elected to the Umno Supreme Council and appointed as Selangor Umno treasurer more than a year ago, he had set a main goal of contributing to the party’s revival in the state.
“But if a party does not have a strong presence in Selangor, it is difficult for that party to be called a national party or a party for the future,” he said.
“To mitigate this reality, it is important to plan a strategy tailored to the present circumstances.
“The outcome of the state election in Selangor last year serves as an indication that immediate action for change is necessary,” he added.
Further, Tengku Zafrul said there was a need to strengthen collaboration with other parties instead of diminishing it, assuming that Umno’s challenges stemmed from its relations with other parties, particularly when such relationships existed at the federal level.
“A lot hinges on the attitude and approach of state Umno leaders,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul expressed his gratitude to the party for trusting and appointing him.
“I will continue to fulfil my duties and roles as an Umno division chief and a member of the supreme council.
“I always pray that Allah SWT blesses our genuine struggle together, and may Umno, especially Selangor Umno, regain its footing in the hearts of the people of this state, God willing,” he said. – April 1, 2024