Amirudin confident of staying as MB despite Tengku Zafrul’s PKR move

The PKR vice-president dismisses rumours of a leadership challenge and even praises Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s impending entry into the party.

Amirudin Shari believes that Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s entry can strengthen PKR. (X pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari says he intends to remain in his post despite speculation that Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s anticipated entry into PKR could see a challenge to his position.

Amirudin, a PKR vice-president, said the move was unlikely to trigger a by-election or displace him as menteri besar, given that the state has just over two years left in its current term, Harian Metro reported.

“God willing, I will remain as menteri besar.

“He (Tengku Zafrul) is going to perform the hajj pilgrimage, and I have asked him to pray for me,” he was quoted as saying after an event in Selayang today.

Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul announced that he had submitted his resignation as an Umno member and would be applying to join PKR, led by Anwar Ibrahim.

Citing “compatibility and suitability”, Tengku Zafrul said he decided to leave Umno after seeking advice from friends within and outside the party, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

His announcement, however, drew a sharp backlash, with Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki warning PKR against accepting him.

PKR, on the other hand, has said it will consider input from grassroots members and its partners in the unity government before deciding on the application.

Amirudin also said Tengku Zafrul’s entry into PKR could bolster the party’s credibility and expressed confidence that they could work well together.

“For example, in several meetings and government dealings, he (as investment, trade and industry minister) has been involved in the aerospace and semiconductor sectors, and we have established strong collaborations,” he said.

When asked about the impact on relations with Umno, Amirudin said that a lengthy discussion took place today but declined to disclose details.

“I believe an understanding can be or has been reached, but I am not fully informed about it,” he said. - FMT