Tengku Zafrul Won T Be Able To Escape Pkr S Warlords Say Analysts

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Analysts said that like Umno, PKR has influential figures who have been loyal to party president Anwar Ibrahim since the party was in the opposition. (Facebook pic)PETALING JAYA: Tengku Zafrul Aziz is expected to face similar challenges with warlords in PKR as he did in Umno, which could hinder his ability to stand out in the political arena, analysts say

Ariff Aizuddin Azlan from Universiti Teknologi Mara said that, like Umno, PKR had influential figures who had been loyal to party president Anwar Ibrahim since the party was in the opposition.
These include PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, vice-president Amirudin Shari, and former secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Ariff said these big names could pose significant challenges for Tengku Zafrul, the investment, trade and industry minister, when competing for influence within the multiracial PKR.
“There will undoubtedly be some who will voice their dissatisfaction (against him),” Ariff told FMT, adding that the Umno Supreme Council member should carefully consider his decision before making the leap to PKR.
Yesterday, FMT cited a source as saying that Tengku Zafrul might have been driven to explore a future with PKR due to strained ties with Umno warlords, stemming from an internal power struggle and dissatisfaction within the party’s ranks.
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.
Tengku Zafrul 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.
Ariff said that if Tengku Zafrul were to receive preferential treatment from PKR’s top leadership, it could spark discontent among party members.
“If these troubling sentiments are not managed effectively, it could lead to further factionalism, which PKR does not need,” he said, emphasising the importance of strong grassroots support for any party leader.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara also predicted that Tengku Zafrul would face similar struggles in PKR as he did in Umno.
“He was given significant opportunities in Umno, including being made division chief (for Kota Raja) and Selangor treasurer, but his main issue was a lack of grassroots support, which is crucial in the party,” he said.
Azmi said in Umno, Tengku Zafrul was not respected as a party member or leader, nor was he given recognition as a minister representing the party.
“If the rumours about him moving to PKR are true, he is likely to face the same fate there.” - FMT

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