Drama around Tengku Zafrul's exit seems orchestrated, says Kedah Umno
Kedah Umno information chief Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin (left) has labelled Tengku Zafrul Aziz, who is the investment, trade and industry minister, as a 'first-class political tourist'.
PETALING JAYA : Kedah Umno is uncomfortable with what it has called 'a drama' and 'political manoeuvres' orchestrated by PKR following Tengku Zafrul Aziz's decision to quit Umno.
Kedah Umno information chief Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said the statements released by PKR vice-president Amirudin Shari and PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim make the entire matter seem 'planned and celebrated'.
'The series of statements from PKR figures seem to send a direct message to Umno that etiquette does not matter in our cooperation and that political moves can be arranged without regard for the sensitivities of the main partners in the unity government,' he said in a statement today.
Shaiful called for a stop to the 'drama' surrounding Tengku Zafrul for the sake of stable, honest and sincere political cooperation.
'We cannot continue to sacrifice our principles for the sake of power. Umno is ready to cooperate, not to be a plaything in the political narratives of others.'
Shaiful also branded Tengku Zafrul, who is the investment, trade and industry minister, a 'first-class political tourist'.
Yesterday, Amirudin said Tengku Zafrul's entry into PKR could bolster the party's credibility and expressed confidence that they could work well together.
Kamil said Tengku Zafrul, being a corporate figure, could bring 'added value' to the party given the latter's experience.
However, PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh said any such application to join the party would have to go through the usual processes, taking into account the views and perspectives of the party's partners in the unity government.
Tengku Zafrul's decision confirms rumours that spread in February that he would be leaving Umno and joining PKR before his term as a senator expires at the year end.
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