PUTRAJAYA: A move is underway for Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz to join PKR.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister is expected to leave Umno, with top-level negotiations completed for his entry into the new party.
In April, Tengku Zafrul quit as Selangor Umno treasurer, citing differences of opinion and lack of direction.
In a statement on Facebook, he said that Selangor Umno needed strong leadership to make it the powerhouse it once was.
The announcement was a strong statement that he no longer had any interest in Umno.
His entry into PKR is not surprising as Tengku Zafrul works well with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and is regarded as an asset in the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has also privately expressed his intention to seek a federal-level post.
In 2022, Amirudin defeated former Selangor MB Datuk Seri Azmin Ali to capture the Gombak Parliament seat.
Top PKR officials said this would be a natural leadership progression for Amirudin.
It is not clear how Tengku Zafrul will be able to use his experience in PKR but he will certainly be an asset at federal or state level.
His term as a senator will end in December 2025.
The next general election must be held by 2027 but speculation is that it could be called in 2026.
It is uncertain when the official announcement that Tengku Zafrul has joined PKR will be made.
PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh had said there is no special pathway to join the party and that anyone who wishes to join the party – including Tengku Zafrul Aziz – must follow standard procedure.
But some senior Umno officials have already heard talk that Tengku Zafrul wants to join PKR.
"It is important a proper narrative is made in the announcement as he will still be in the unity government," one official said.
