Tengku Zafrul Aziz: From Technocrat to Politician?
PETALING JAYA: Once seen as a technocrat who could bring fresh expertise into government, Tengku Zafrul Aziz is now facing scrutiny for political manoeuvres which, analysts say, risk overshadowing his initial reputation.
The Fall from Grace
Tengku Zafrul is increasingly being perceived as a politician after confirming over the weekend that he was in ongoing discussions to join PKR. "He contested the Kuala Selangor seat in the last general election and lost. With his senatorship tenure soon coming to an end, it only deepens the perception that he is prioritising political survival over being a technocrat," said Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi.
Lessons from Tengku Razaleigh
Despite a lack of political experience, Tengku Zafrul was looked upon as a technocrat capable of stabilising the national economy when first appointed finance minister during the Covid-19 pandemic. Awang Azman said Tengku Zafrul could learn from Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, a senior Umno leader respected for blending technocratic expertise with grassroot appeal. "Razaleigh is respected for his wisdom, and during his younger days, had the ability to connect with the people. Despite his royal lineage, he broke barriers and kept his connection with the rakyat through engagements," he said.
The Shift in Public Perception
Lau Zhe Wei of International Islamic University Malaysia said Tengku Zafrul’s decision to join PKR will see a shift in public perception. "The public will now see him more as a politician, drawing parallels with Maszlee Malik, who was initially perceived as an academic due to his background as a lecturer. ‘After becoming active in politics and moving from Bersatu to PKR, he (Mazlee) was no longer seen as an academic but as a politician,’ Lau told FMT.
Zafrul’s Party Identity Irrelevant
Another analyst, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, said Tengku Zafrul’s party affiliation was irrelevant. "What matters is his ability to serve the national agenda, and he has proven capable of doing so. He is a useful combination of all three (recent) prime ministers," he told FMT. Shamsul argued that Tengku Zafrul’s technocratic credentials remain his core strength, with his business acumen and ability to manage high-level networks making him a valuable advisor.
Conclusion
Tengku Zafrul’s decision to join PKR has raised questions about his commitment to his technocratic roots. While he has proven capable of serving the national agenda, his shift towards politics may overshadow his initial reputation as a fresh face in government.
FAQs
Q: What is Tengku Zafrul’s current position?
A: Tengku Zafrul is the investment, trade, and industry minister in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet.
Q: Why is Tengku Zafrul facing scrutiny?
A: Tengku Zafrul’s decision to join PKR has raised questions about his commitment to his technocratic roots and his prioritization of political survival over serving the national agenda.
Q: Can Tengku Zafrul still serve the national agenda despite his party affiliation?
A: Yes, according to Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, Tengku Zafrul’s technocratic credentials remain his core strength, and he can still serve the national agenda despite his party affiliation.
Q: What is the significance of Tengku Zafrul’s shift towards politics?
A: Tengku Zafrul’s shift towards politics may overshadow his initial reputation as a fresh face in government and may impact his ability to serve the national agenda.