KUALA LUMPUR – Umno is not lamenting Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s decision to leave the party, instead affirming its readiness to move forward with the current lineup.
Kedah Umno Information Chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said loyalty within the unity government must be upheld to preserve harmony and long-standing cooperation, adding that the culture of party-hopping should not be encouraged.
“I want to stress that this is not about mourning a loss. Umno is not saddened by Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul’s decision. In fact, we are prepared to move forward with a more honest and loyal team,” he told Scoop.
According to Shaiful, such political moves should not happen for the sake of sustaining a stable and sincere political collaboration.
He also questioned PKR leaders’ seemingly enthusiastic and “eager” reception of Zafrul’s entry, noting it could undermine mutual understanding within the Unity Government.
“If such a culture persists, it will only tarnish the harmony that the unity government has long worked to build,” he said.
Shaiful stressed that all members of the unity government must maintain decorum and be sensitive to one another.
“As a party in the unity government, PKR should be setting an example of respectful collaboration.
“But the series of statements from PKR figures seems to send Umno a direct message – that decorum in working together is unimportant, and that political manoeuvres can be made without regard to the sensitivities of key partners in the unity government.
“Umno is ready to cooperate, but not to be made a pawn in someone else’s political script,” he said.
Earlier, Zafrul said he would leave it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to decide on his Cabinet position after announcing his exit from Umno and intention to join PKR.
He said the decision was made voluntarily and without pressure from any party.
“This was not an easy decision, but I’ve thought deeply about it. It is entirely my own choice, and I appreciate those who respect my right to chart my political path,” he said.
Zafrul said he had informed PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Fuziah Salleh of his intention to join the party.
He also expressed appreciation to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and party colleagues for their support over the years. – June 1, 2025