AMPANG: Outgoing Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has cautioned that Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s transition from Umno to PKR risks opening a political floodgate that the unity government may find difficult to contain.
He acknowledged that the unity government was based on a formal agreement, one he personally helped draft, but stated that it did not include clear provisions about whether parties could accept members from each other.
“This is a grey area. The agreement doesn’t state whether it’s allowed or not.
“But I believe Umno’s concern stems from the desire to maintain harmony among parties within the unity government.
“Party hopping is something that should have been avoided, as it could open a door to consequences we can’t foresee,” he said at the Madani Youth Carnival here on Sunday (June 1).
He said such moves should ideally be avoided, as they could set a precedent that was difficult to manage.
“If one Umno member joins PKR, how do you draw the line? These are matters that will eventually have to be discussed at the unity government level,” he added.
When asked if there were any long-term plans for Tengku Zafrul following his possible entry into PKR, Rafizi said it had nothing to do with him.
“Better to ask Tengku Zafrul himself. Ask him what his plans are. If you’re asking about PKR’s plans, ask the new PKR leadership.
“My decisions have nothing to do with Tengku Zafrul, or with PKR, Umno or the unity government,” he said, adding that his resignation was a personal decision as a Member of Parliament and grassroots leader.
When asked whether PKR would be open to reciprocal party-hopping if other parties began targeting PKR leaders, Rafizi said such questions should be directed to the top leadership.
“That question should be asked to the central leadership–the president, deputy president and others. I’m just a division chief,” he said.
