Pkr Grassroots Warm To Tengku Zafrul Amid Talk Of Party Switch

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Selangor PKR grassroots said Tengku Zafrul Aziz could fit well in a division like Ampang, Petaling Jaya, or Pandan.
PETALING JAYA: Some PKR grassroots members have expressed support for the prospect of Umno’s Tengku Zafrul Aziz joining the party, citing his federal leadership credentials and alignment with the party’s progressive reform agenda.

A grassroots leader from Selangor who spoke to FMT on condition of anonymity said a division like Ampang, Petaling Jaya, or Pandan would be ideal for Tengku Zafrul’s political entry due to the urban Malay voter base there.
“However, the challenge would be in gaining acceptance from some grassroots in the respective PKR division,” the leader said.
Economy minister Rafizi Ramli, a key figure in the Cabinet, currently holds the Pandan seat and leads the division, while Lee Chean Chung and Rodziah Ismail serve as MPs for Petaling Jaya and Ampang, respectively.
All three parliamentary seats in Selangor have a mixed-ethnic electorate.
A grassroots member said Tengku Zafrul’s values and vision meshed well with recent amendments to PKR’s constitution to promote diversity and inclusion.
“With PKR embracing broader representation among women and ethnic minorities, Tengku Zafrul fits perfectly into the party’s progressive narrative – unlike his current party Umno,” the member said.
Regarding concerns over Tengku Zafrul’s perceived loyalty to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, another grassroots leader said the matter must be approached objectively.

“The party’s spirit of struggle should not overshadow the duties and responsibilities of the unity government.
“PKR cannot rely on the party president forever, which is why the ecosystem within PKR must and is changing,” the leader said.
On Sunday, Tengku Zafrul confirmed holding talks on joining PKR but said no decision had been made. He also denied that the discussions involved negotiations for state-level positions or by-elections.
He resigned as Selangor Umno treasurer in April, citing an inability to contribute to improving the state chapter. He also criticised Selangor Umno for its lukewarm efforts to revive itself following its poor electoral outing. - FMT

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