Impact of Tengku Zafrul’s move to PKR won’t be easy to handle, says KJ

 

Khairy Jamaluddin said senior Umno leaders are unhappy over Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s wish to move to PKR, as it gives the impression the party is not suitable for moderate leaders. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The impact on the relationship between PKR and Umno if the former accepts Tengku Zafrul Aziz into its fold will not be easy to manage, says former Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin.

Khairy said the move, however, would not be a “deal-breaker” for Umno’s alliance with PKR if the matter is handled with care.

“I don’t think this (move) will be easy to handle. Tengku Zafrul is a minister, an Umno division chief, and a prominent national figure with potential to lead the country,” he said in the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast yesterday.

The former Umno Youth chief also said senior Umno leaders are unhappy over Tengku Zafrul’s wish to switch to PKR, as it gives the impression the party is not suitable for moderate leaders.

“Umno wants to save face. When someone like Tengku Zafrul, considered to be part of ‘middle Malaysia’, wants to leave Umno for PKR, it leaves the perception that Umno is not a place for someone like him,” he said.

Khairy said it would also seem to Umno that PKR is poaching members from its allies.

“As a senator, Tengku Zafrul is free to join any party (without triggering the anti-hopping law), but such a transfer will violate the unspoken camaraderie between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional in the unity government,” he said.

PKR is a component party of PH, while Umno is the linchpin party of BN.

Co-host Shahril Hamdan also questioned if PKR and its president, Anwar Ibrahim, are ready to bear the political cost of accepting Tengku Zafrul, considering that senior Umno leaders have voiced their dissatisfaction over the potential move.

“This is not a question of whether Tengku Zafrul is free to join any party, but whether PKR and Anwar are ready to face the anger of the senior Umno leadership,” he said.

On Dec 15, Tengku Zafrul acknowledged having discussions with PKR to join the party, but said he has yet to decide on the matter. Earlier, Anwar confirmed that “preliminary discussions” had taken place for Tengku Zafrul to join the party.

The investment, trade and industry minister said he stood by the right of a person to choose a path of political struggle based on “compatibility”.

Previously, speculation had been rife that Tengku Zafrul planned to move to PKR in an apparent bid to become the next menteri besar of Selangor.

The rumour sparked controversy among senior Umno leaders, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who criticised those who put personal interest ahead of party loyalty. - FMT