Tengku Zafrul says no by-election bid, will serve full Senate term
KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz today dismissed speculation that he is seeking to trigger a by-election following his decision to leave Umno and apply to join PKR.
The senator who is also serving as investment, trade and industry minister said no discussions had taken place regarding any by-election at either the federal or state level.
'Firstly, regarding speculation about participation in any by-election, whether at the federal or state level, I would like to make it clear that no such discussion has ever taken place, and it was never part of my considerations in making this decision,' he wrote in a Facebook post, after completing his Haj pilgrimage with his wife.
He added that he strongly disagreed with holding by-elections without compelling reasons, as they come at a cost to the public.
'I firmly do not agree with triggering a by-election without urgent necessity, as by-elections also involve the time and money of the people.
'I will continue to carry out my responsibilities as a member of the Dewan Negara until the end of my service in December 2025,' he said
Tengku Zafrul also reiterated that matters related to his ministerial position are entirely up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
'I am always ready to serve the country in any capacity,' he said, adding that he had left the corporate sector with the intention of contributing to public service.
The banker-turned-minister clarified that his exit from Umno was a personal decision and not made under pressure.
He thanked Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the party's supreme council and grassroots members for their support during his time in the party.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Let law run its course, says Ean Yong after Teoh's sister calls him out
Ean Yong Hian Wah said he shares the family's pain but will not respond to Facebook posts calling him out over his silence. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Former Selangor executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah has called for the legal process to take its course in the Teoh Beng Hock case, after being criticised by his late political aide's sister. Ean Yong said he shared the Teoh family's grief over the past 16 years and pledged to cooperate fully with police if any new evidence emerges. 'Through all the sadness, I urge that the law be allowed to run its course,' Oriental Daily quoted him as saying. 'I will not comment on the Facebook postings made by Teoh Lee Lan.' Lee Lan had taken to Facebook to express frustration that Ean Yong had yet to break his silence or take a clear stance, more than three weeks after the Attorney-General's Chambers classified the case as requiring no further action (NFA). She accused Ean Yong of avoiding responsibility, questioning why he did not ensure her brother had legal representation during his Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) interrogation or inform the family earlier about his detention. Teoh, a political aide to Ean Yong, died on July 16, 2009 on the fifth floor of Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam, after being questioned for hours at the Selangor MACC headquarters. An inquest into his death was held, and the coroner returned an open verdict. However, the Court of Appeal ruled in 2014 that Teoh's death was caused by 'one or more persons unknown', including MACC officers. In 2019, police launched an investigation under Section 342 of the Penal Code for wrongful confinement. Before 2018, two special investigation teams were set up – one in 2011 and the other in 2015 – to look into Teoh's death, but both cases were classified as NFA by the public prosecutor.
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Reforms ongoing and backed by solid evidence, says Azalina
Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said more than 30 legislative amendments have been passed since 2023. (File pic) PETALING JAYA : The government's reform agenda is ongoing and backed by solid evidence, says law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said. In a Facebook post, Azalina said she agreed with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's remarks yesterday that reforms cannot be rushed, and stressed that systemic changes should not be executed hastily or rolled out merely to look good on paper. She said the current administration has moved at an unprecedented pace in laying the groundwork for institutional and legislative reforms, setting a benchmark not seen under previous governments. Azalina said the legal affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department, together with other agencies under her purview, had made significant progress in implementing reforms in a structured and comprehensive manner. This included the successful reinstatement of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025, and the implementation of more than 30 legislative amendments since 2023. 'This shows that the government's reform efforts are not mere rhetoric. 'This is clear evidence that the Madani government's reform agenda is in motion and being implemented. 'As policymakers, our duty is to ensure that every reform initiative is not only ambitious but, more importantly, feasible and beneficial to the Malaysian public,' she said. Azalina said the legal affairs division had launched the PetaRI portal, a dedicated online platform to provide the public with regular updates on the progress of government reform initiatives. 'Whether we like it or not, we must acknowledge that the Madani government has laid the foundation for reform at a pace unmatched by previous administrations. 'The proof lies in the institutional changes and legal updates that the public can assess for themselves,' she said.
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Pahang to halt vape sales by early next year
A number of states have enacted or are exploring restrictions on e-cigarettes. (Bernama pic) KUANTAN : Local authorities in Pahang have been urged to ensure the sale of electronic cigarettes, or vapes, is halted by early next year. Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad, who heads Pahang's Islamic religious affairs, rural development and Orang Asli affairs committee, said the move followed the state government's decision to declare the use of electronic cigarettes as haram. 'On May 14, the state executive council endorsed the fatwa issued by the Pahang mufti, which had earlier been forwarded to the state legal adviser on March 19. 'The state government has also begun enforcing the fatwa with immediate effect,' he said in a Facebook post. The Pahang shariah legal consultative committee has ruled that the use of electronic cigarettes is forbidden as it poses health risks and leads to wastage. Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had previously called for a total ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in the state. Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah have recently banned the sale of vape products and e-cigarettes, joining Johor and Kelantan, which have imposed such a ban for years now. Negeri Sembilan and Selangor are also considering a ban.
