3 days ago
A shot in the arm for PKR with Tengku Zafrul
THERE isn't going to be any by-election called to make way for Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz to contest in Selangor.
There is no compelling reason for anyone to make way immediately for the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, who has announced his decision to quit Umno and plans to join PKR.
His term as a Senator will only expire at the end of the year, which means he still has about six months to go as minister.
At this point, all talk that he is eyeing a Selangor state seat is mere speculation by the media. Why not a safe parliamentary seat in Kuala Lumpur where the options are wider and better?
Selangor Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari has already said he is remaining as the Mentri Besar. It is also no secret that the Selangor palace expects the Mentri Besar to complete his full term as chief executive of the state.
Whether the newly-elected PKR vice-president will decide to focus instead on a parliamentary seat in the next general election, expected to be held within two years, is another matter.
But as of now, there is no likelihood of any change in Selangor.
There has been much debate over Tengku Zafrul's next political plan. Umno is understandably upset that the party would lose a Federal Cabinet post and there have been accusations that he is not a loyal member of the party.
Amidst all the noise, the harsh reality is that Selangor Umno is in the doldrums. It hasn't recovered from its beating in the last general election and seems to be heading nowhere. Umno contested in 22 seats in the 2022 General Election, and lost all.
Tengku Zafrul himself lost to Amanah's Datuk Seri Dr Zulkefly Ahmad in the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat.
The political prospects for Selangor Umno haven't improved and despite the hue and cry over Tengku Zafrul's resignation, no one has a clue as to how Selangor Umno can recover its lost seats.
While there have also been brickbats over whether a newbie deserves a ticket to contest for PKR, no one has disputed Tengku Zafrul's capability.
Let's face it, all parties have fielded young and new faces in every election. It has never been about the length of a candidate's membership in the party.
As Malaysia navigates a critical juncture in its economic and political journey, the role of capable, forward-looking leaders has never been more crucial.
Tengku Zafrul entered politics as a technocrat but his alignment with the unity government has led to intense private conversations about his potential future within PKR.
Without a doubt, the Prime Minister is comfortable with his role as MITI Minister. This is especially so when Malaysia needs to negotiate with the unpredictable Trump administration and its retaliatory tariffs.
Like him or loath him, no one would dare say he has not done his job well as a Minister.
Should he proceed to join PKR - and if his application is approved - it will certainly strengthen Malaysia's reformist agenda as well as multi-racial politics.
Urbane, professional and approachable, he has global networking. At a personal level, he enjoys a wide circle of multi-racial contacts, friends and supporters.
More importantly, he brings a rare and valuable experience from both the public and private sectors.
He is a natural bridge between the government and private sectors, and we do need politicians who understand investments, digital transformation, green energy, the semi-conductor industry and industrial transformation.
Unlike some Malay politicians who thrive on race and religion, Tengku Zafrul has stayed above such communal agenda. Instead, he maintains a moderate voice and prefers to focus on results and policies.
Malaysians are sick and tired of chest thumping politicians who polarise the nation with the narrative of race and religion.
A stable and progressive government with plans for long-term reforms, and a performance-driven leadership, is needed more than ever.
Tengku Zafrul's entry into PKR will add depth to the party's economic branch and reinforce the image that the party places importance on competence.
