KUALA LUMPUR — PKR’s Ampang division has deferred the decision on who will contest the parliamentary seat in the next general election to the party’s top leadership, following speculation that Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz could be named as its candidate.
Ampang PKR chief Syed Ahmad Abdul Rahman Alhadad, better known as Altimet, said it was too early for the division to make any decision at this stage.
Tengku Zafrul, who left Umno in May, confirmed on Friday that he had joined PKR’s Ampang branch.
Altimet stressed that, as a progressive party, PKR’s candidate selection is not bound by a person’s place of residence, branch membership location or party position, in line with Election Commission rules.
“We respect a transparent and fair candidate selection process that takes into account views from all levels,” he said in a statement.
“Our focus in Ampang is strengthening grassroots work, defending the people’s welfare and ensuring the Prime Minister’s reform agenda is implemented effectively.”
Altimet, who is also Lembah Jaya assemblyman, said the division remains committed to openness and unity in pursuing reform for the people.
“We welcome anyone, regardless of background, to join PKR in building a fairer, more prosperous and progressive Malaysia,” he added.
Speculation over Tengku Zafrul’s candidacy intensified after he confirmed his PKR membership, with some suggesting a by-election could be held in Ampang this year to pave the way for him to contest. His current term as a senator ends later this year.
The Ampang seat is currently held by Rodziah Ismail, who earlier this year aligned herself with a faction led by former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli — a move that could see her dropped or shifted to another constituency in the next election. — August 10, 2025