Zahid's remarks on Tengku Zafrul show Umno ready to move on, says analyst

Free Malaysia Today

3 days ago

Analysts said Tengku Zafrul Aziz's departure will have little impact on Umno, likely because he is neither an MP nor a state assemblyman.
PETALING JAYA : Recent remarks by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the party is not losing sleep over Tengku Zafrul Aziz's departure signal Umno's readiness to move on from the former Supreme Council member, according to a political analyst.
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said Zahid's stance suggested that Umno, having weathered numerous political challenges, would not be shaken by the departure of any individual, even one as high-profile as the investment, trade and industry minister.
'This is a form of damage control to reinforce party loyalty over personal allegiance. Umno is making it clear that it no longer wants to be seen as dependent on technocrats or 'parachute candidates' who lack strong grassroots support, such as Tengku Zafrul in Kuala Selangor and later Kota Raja.
'It also shows that Umno is working to rebuild a grassroots-oriented identity rather than one rooted in political elites,' he told FMT.
On June 2, Zahid said the party was not losing sleep over Tengku Zafrul's decision to quit and his intention to join PKR, adding that it was 'better he left if he couldn't remain loyal'.
Tengku Zafrul failed to wrest the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat during the 15th general election and currently serves as Umno's Kota Raja division chief.
Awang Azman said Zahid's statement might not fully appease party leaders or grassroots members, as some still viewed Tengku Zafrul as a political opportunist who 'rode on the party's goodwill' without earning it through merit or sacrifice.
'To prevent this episode from becoming a political liability in the next general election, Umno must act wisely and consolidate its internal strength, not just to move on but also to move forward,' he said.
He warned that mishandling the issue could give the impression of internal instability, urging firm action to prevent political opportunism from taking root in the party.
'Zahid's leadership must be followed by a strategy to repair internal perceptions,' he said.
Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara said Zahid's stance suggested that Tengku Zafrul's exit had little practical impact on Umno, likely because he holds no elected office.
'The Umno president must demonstrate political maturity, as whatever he says will be taken as principle and guidance.
'The best way to curb the polemics is by opening constructive dialogue channels with all stakeholders and working together to find solutions,' he said.