📍 Kuala Lumpur, 31 May 2025
By Dato G Kumaar Aamaann,
Chief Editor, Ottrangknews
Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to reject the application of Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz to join PKR, following Zafrul’s resignation from UMNO. This stance reflects Anwar’s unwavering principle: zero tolerance for political opportunists and party-hoppers.
As emphasized by Ottrangknews Political Analyst Dato G Kumaar Aamaann, this is a test of integrity and commitment to clean, principled politics.
> “DS Anwar is a leader of principle. He does not compromise with party-hoppers. Tengku Zafrul’s application to join PKR, while still holding a ministerial position under the Unity Government, clearly goes against the ethics of accountability and political loyalty,” said Dato G Kumaar Aamaann.
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🔥 Tengku Zafrul Quits UMNO – But Not the Cabinet
Tengku Zafrul, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, announced his resignation from UMNO and declared his intention to join PKR. However, this move has sparked criticism, particularly from UMNO’s youth wing.
UMNO Youth Chief, Dr. Akmal Saleh, publicly criticized Zafrul for not relinquishing his ministerial post after leaving the party.
> “He should have resigned from his ministerial post too,” Akmal posted on Facebook.
Akmal further implied that Zafrul’s exit was of little consequence to UMNO members, as his entrance was never particularly welcomed either.
> “UMNO members are too happy with this news. He came uninvited, and no one regrets his departure,” Akmal added.
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📌 Zafrul’s Explanation and Cabinet Reshuffle Rumours
Zafrul, who served as a senator for two full terms (the maximum tenure), revealed that the decision to leave UMNO was not easy, as he had been a party member since 1997. He claimed to have consulted both internal and external friends, including UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, before arriving at the decision.
> “I’ve officially submitted my resignation from UMNO, including as a member of the Supreme Council and as UMNO Kota Raja Chief,” said Zafrul.
He also said he had informed PKR President Anwar Ibrahim and Secretary-General Fuziah Salleh of his intention to join the party.
However, the move comes amid rising speculation of a cabinet reshuffle, following the resignations of Rafizi Ramli (Minister of Economy) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability), both from PKR.
This has led to public debate on whether Zafrul is attempting to secure his political survival before his Senate term ends in mid-December 2025.
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🧭 Ottrangknews: A Call for Political Integrity
Dato G Kumaar Aamaann, who is also a civil society activist and advocate for ethical leadership, stressed that allowing Zafrul into PKR would severely damage the party’s credibility.
> “PKR cannot afford to welcome opportunists. The rakyat (people) are watching. If Zafrul wants to serve, he must first resign from his ministerial post and earn public trust, not bypass the system through backdoor methods.”
He also praised Prime Minister Anwar for staying firm despite pressure and political bargaining behind the scenes.
> “The Prime Minister must now prove that he walks the talk – no more rewarding political frogs. Let Zafrul contest in the general election and prove his worth to the rakyat.”
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🗣️ Final Words from Ottrangknews
We at Ottrangknews uphold integrity, loyalty, and justice. Tengku Zafrul’s resignation from UMNO does not automatically entitle him to another seat of power.
If the Unity Government truly believes in reform, then it must start with purging remnants of transactional politics – regardless of title or position.
Dato G Kumaar Aamaann
Chief Editor, Ottrangknews
Political Analyst & Advocate of Clean Governance