Federal territories PKR chief Azman Abidin said some PKR rank and file have questioned whether it was that easy for the party to take in new members, particularly someone so prominent like Tengku Zafrul, the investment, trade and industry minister.
“If we look at the mood on the ground, they (PKR grassroots) are not happy. And it’s the same (in Umno).
“(PKR members are uneasy) because of his status. If Tengku Zafrul was just a regular (Umno) member, then it wouldn’t be as big an issue. However, he also holds a major position in the government.
“To me, it’s a sensitive matter for both (PKR and Umno grassroots).
“Umno might think we’re just waiting for him to join us, but that’s not the case,” Azman said in the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, hosted by former Umno leaders Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan.
Khairy had asked Azman, a political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whether there was an agreement between the two parties on Tengku Zafrul joining PKR
Azman said Anwar’s stand was that every person was entitled to freedom of association.
“If (Tengku Zafrul) wants to enter this party, he will have to leave his current one. At the same time, Anwar also wants to look after the sensitivities of his friends in Umno.
“Nonetheless, it’s a person’s right to jump (parties), it can’t be avoided,” he said, while expressing hope that the matter would be resolved amicably.
Earlier this year, speculation arose that Tengku Zafrul was planning to join PKR in a bid to become the next Selangor menteri besar. However, he denied discussing any state-level positions.
The speculation intensified when PKR president Anwar confirmed that talks were ongoing at the time for Tengku Zafrul to join the party.
Last Thursday, Tengku Zafrul said any decision on his future in Umno must align with what was best for both himself and the party, after a discussion with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. - FMT
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