After announcing Umno exit, Tengku Zafrul off to perform haj

 The former Umno Supreme Council member also asked acquaintances for forgiveness if he had spoken harshly or fallen short.

Tengku Zafrul Aziz at a family prayer gathering in Kuala Lumpur yesterday before his departure on the haj. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Moments after announcing his departure from Umno, Tengku Zafrul Aziz said he would be flying to Saudi Arabia to perform the haj pilgrimage.

In a Facebook post tonight, Tengku Zafrul said he held a prayer gathering attended by friends and family yesterday ahead of his pilgrimage.

He also wrote: “I would like to take this opportunity to ask for forgiveness from everyone reading this message if I have ever spoken harshly or fallen short in any way throughout our acquaintance.”

Tengku Zafrul had announced earlier this evening that he has submitted his resignation as an Umno member today 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.

He was previously an Umno Supreme Council member and also headed the Kota Raja Umno division. His announcement drew a sharp response from Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who urged Tengku Zafrul to relinquish his Cabinet post as well.

Tengku Zafrul is the minister for investment, trade and industry in Anwar’s Cabinet to which he was appointed from the senate. His term as a senator ends in December. - FMT