Tengku Zafrul’s resignation won’t strain Umno-PKR ties in unity govt, says Johari

 The Umno vice-president urges continued focus on stability and nation-building amid a backlash over Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s exit from Umno and his planned move to PKR.

Umno vice-president Johari Ghani said Umno and PKR must continue to cooperate as part of the unity government for the sake of political stability in the country.

PETALING JAYA:

 Umno vice-president Johari Ghani has brushed off concerns that Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s resignation from the party will affect ties between Umno and PKR in the unity government.

Johari, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the two parties must continue to cooperate for the sake of political stability in the country, Bernama reported.

“(In) politics, this is normal. It (Tengku Zafrul’s resignation) should not disrupt the unity government or the country,” he was quoted as saying after an event in Kampung Parit Bilal, Batu Pahat.

Tengku Zafrul, the investment, trade and industry minister, yesterday announced that he had resigned from Umno and all party positions, and would be applying to join PKR, led by Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister.

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

His move has sparked a backlash from Umno leaders.

Party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki called it “highly inappropriate” for any component party in the unity coalition to accept members from other parties without proper consultation.

Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi warned the party must not be blamed if its grassroots begin losing confidence in Anwar over Tengku Zafrul’s acceptance into PKR.

Meanwhile, Umno Youth, Wanita Umno and Puteri Umno have urged Tengku Zafrul to resign from his Cabinet post. - FMT