KUALA LUMPUR – Initial discussions have taken place regarding Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s potential move to PKR, confirmed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also the PKR president, affirmed that such talks will be conducted in a way that preserves the good relationship between PKR and Umno, which are both part of the unity government.
“While we adopt an open attitude (to) those who can contribute to the party, this must be done in a proper way so that our (PKR’s) relationship with other parties, including Umno, remains good.
“Based on our principles and experiences all this while, we don’t encourage (those from other parties joining PKR), but we have never prevented it. In fact, we respect their decision while maintaining good ties with other parties,” Anwar said.
He said this when met at the sidelines of the PKR Special Congress in Shah Alam today by reporters, who had asked him about rumours that Tengku Zafrul might make a move to PKR.
Anwar also said that while Pakatan Harapan (PH) component party PKR does not make it a habit to invite people into their folds, it remains ready to discuss such possibilitie – pointing out that current PKR members also include those who were previously part of Umno, the Barisan Nasional (BN) linchpin.
Earlier today, Tengku Zafrul, who is also the investment, trade and industry minister, said that he will issue a statement “in the near future” to address speculations of him joining PKR, which was published by a local news portal earlier this week.
Tengku Zafrul also said that he will clarify rumours that the alleged move is linked to him replacing PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as Selangor menteri besar.
His comment comes after Amirudin yesterday reaffirmed that he will remain as Selangor menteri besar until the end of his current term.
Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday urged the party’s allies in the unity government to refrain from accepting members from coalition partners.
Zahid, who is also the BN chairman, said that members of the unity government should reciprocate BN’s respect for them, calling on Umno members to remain steadfast and not be swayed by offers supposedly driven by personal interests.
He also clarified that Tengku Zafrul has not informed him of any alleged plans to resign from Umno.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh has since claimed that the party should reassess its alliances with unity government parties which accept its members, asserting that Umno is a “dignified” party which cannot be pushed around. – December 15, 2024