2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tengku Zafrul yet to decide next move after senatorship ends
KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said he wants to continue serving the country 'politically', with or without a government position, after his term as a senator ends in December.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, however, has yet to decide on his next course of action once his senatorship concludes.
"I have not thought about it yet. Because there's so much (work) I need to focus on right now.
"But my intention after December is to continue contributing in any way I can.
"It doesn't have to be a position in government even. You can contribute to the government, and to the country in many ways. So to me, that's important.
"But politically, I will want to continue to serve the country. And I've said it before that I've stated my intention to join PKR," he said during a press conference following the Regional Socialisation of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan under the Asean Community Vision 2045.
At the same time, he reaffirmed his commitment to focus on his current responsibilities at the ministry before completing his tenure as a senator, which is set to end in December.
"My priority right now is to complete my term as a senator and to conclude various critical matters related to the country's investment and trade sectors, in line with my responsibilities at the ministry.
"First and foremost, let me make it clear that I will focus on my current tasks. There is still a lot of work to be done at the ministry, as you are aware," he said.
When asked about his position as minister after his senatorship ends, Tengku Zafrul said the matter would be entirely at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's discretion.
"I intend to continue contributing in my capacity at the ministry. However, whether I remain as minister after December depends on the prime minister's decision," he added.
Tengku Zafrul reiterated that his decision to leave Umno and join PKR had nothing to do with wanting to take on another role in the government, whether as a minister or Menteri Besar.
"I've said many times, even before I resigned from Umno, that I have no intention of contesting in any by-elections.
"My decision to resign has nothing to do with wanting a government position, whether as a minister or Menteri Besar," he said.
Tengku Zafrul on May 30 had announced his resignations from Umno. He had also announced his intention to join PKR.
