KUALA LUMPUR – Umno is seeking to retain its full quota of seven ministerial positions in the cabinet following Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s resignation from the party, said its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“To me, what’s more important is that Umno remains represented by seven full ministers in the cabinet. Although we are unsure whether Tengku Zafrul’s appointment was on Umno’s ticket, we had assumed he represented the party.
“Now that he is no longer with Umno, the number drops to six.
“So, it is only fair for Umno to request that the seat be returned to us,” Zahid told reporters after attending the Sarawak Risda 2025 Smallholders programme and pre-Gawai celebration in Serian today, according to Bernama.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, expressed confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would consider Umno’s request in line with its role in the unity government.
He also confirmed that Umno’s legal team would study whether Zafrul, who is also investment, trade and industry minister, had breached the agreement he signed during the 15th general election (GE15).
“For GE15 candidates, there is a clause in their statutory declaration that allows the party to impose a RM100 million penalty if they leave. Tengku Zafrul contested but lost, and was later appointed as a Senator. I will consult our legal advisers to examine the implications,” he said.
Earlier, Zahid confirmed that the party has received Zafrul’s resignation letter, which was submitted to Umno executive secretary Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.
“Yesterday, when we checked, it had not been received. But this morning, we verified that the letter had been delivered to Mohd Sumali. We acknowledge his resignation and withdrawal of membership from Umno,” he said.
Zafrul, announced yesterday that he was quitting Umno and relinquishing all party posts, including as supreme council member and Kota Raja division chief.
He also said he intended to join PKR, and had informed its president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.
Fuziah, however, said the party has not received any formal membership application from him. – May 31, 2025