Latest news with #Rengit
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
‘Opportunist' Tengku Zafrul will be a PKR liability, says Puad
One of Umno's biggest mistakes was 'spoiling' Tengku Zafrul Aziz and giving him the red carpet treatment, according to Puad Zarkashi (left). PETALING JAYA : Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi trained his guns at Tengku Zafrul Aziz for quitting the party, saying that the federal minister will become a liability for PKR. Describing Tengku Zafrul as an opportunist, Puad said that if PKR accepted the former into its fold, it would be 'a stab in the back for Umno'. Puad's remarks came shortly after Tengku Zafrul announced his resignation as an Umno member, as well as from all party posts, with plans to join PKR. Puad told FMT: 'Umno shouldn't mourn his departure. Let him go. He's simply trying to fill the void left by (former PKR deputy president) Rafizi Ramli. I believe Tengku Zafrul will become a liability to PKR.' Rafizi, who was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar in the contest for the deputy presidency at the recent party polls, resigned as economy minister on Wednesday. Tengku Zafrul's decision confirms rumours in February that he would leave Umno and join PKR before his term as a senator expires at the year's end. Tengku Zafrul said he had conveyed his intention to join PKR to party president Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister. He also said he would go through the usual procedure to apply to be a PKR member. Puad, who is Rengit assemblyman, said one of Umno's biggest mistakes was 'spoiling' Tengku Zafrul too much by giving him the red carpet treatment. 'He was made an election candidate, a division chief, a Supreme Council member, and appointed as investment, trade and industry minister. 'It should never be repeated. Umno must stop bringing in individuals with no roots or commitment to the party. Tengku Zafrul never had any real loyalty to Umno,' Puad said. Tengku Zafrul was previously an Umno Supreme Council member and also headed the Kota Raja Umno division. He had contested the Kuala Selangor seat during the 2022 general election but lost to Amanah's Dzulkefly Ahmad by 1,002 votes in a four-cornered contest. In December last year, there were rumours that he was planning to join PKR in an apparent bid to become the next Selangor menteri besar. He later denied being in talks over state-level positions. But speculation was further fuelled after Anwar confirmed that talks were under way for Tengku Zafrul to join the party. Puad today said Tengku Zafrul should have been expelled earlier, when news of his plans to join PKR made headlines. 'He even hadn't been attending Supreme Council meetings for some time.'
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Umno doesn't need populists, says Puad amid talk of KJ's return
Umno leader Puad Zarkashi made it clear he would not support Khairy Jamaluddin's return to the party. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has dismissed the possibility of Khairy Jamaluddin returning to the party, saying Umno does not need 'populists' who bring no real benefit. Puad made it clear he would not support Khairy's return, describing the former Rembau MP as someone who only looked out for himself. 'I didn't hear anything about Umno bringing him back but I will not agree to it,' he told FMT in reference to talk of Khairy rejoining Umno. 'Umno doesn't need populists. They bring no benefit to the party and only serve their own interests.' According to Puad, Umno needs loyalists who respect the party's decision-making processes. 'Umno needs those who are loyal and respect consultation. Khairy has proven he doesn't have that quality,' he said. He also accused Khairy of continuing to be driven by ego, saying the former health minister had not even appealed his sacking from Umno. Puad, who is the Rengit assemblyman, warned that any attempt to negotiate with Khairy to return to Umno could anger grassroots members. Instead, he called for the party to prioritise those who had appealed their expulsion and were still waiting for a decision, such as former Jempol Umno chief Salim Sharif. He likened Khairy to former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, saying they both undermined their respective parties. 'To me, Khairy is just like Rafizi in terms of character – unwilling to follow consensus. Khairy attacked the party during the 15th general election campaign, while Rafizi attacked his party during the internal party polls. It would be better if they both just formed a new party together,' he said. Yesterday, news portal SuaraTV reported that Khairy was in the process of returning to the party, more than two years after his expulsion. According to the report, efforts to bring Khairy back began following the death of his father-in-law, former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. 'In recent weeks, discussions have reportedly taken place between aides of both Khairy and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, following what was described as a positive signal from the Umno president,' the portal said. FMT has reached out to Khairy for comment.
