Zafrul Must Exit Govt Gracefully

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YOURSAY | “Or else his need to stay proves desperate.”
Zafrul to become ‘minister-level adviser’, KJ quips as cabinet exit looms
GanMu: Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said he is willing to serve in any capacity, even if it isn’t a ministerial post.
He also mentioned needing to win in the polls, which suggests a desperation to remain in government regardless of the position offered, even one lower than minister.
Just look at DAP stalwart M Kulasegaran: once human resources minister, now deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms).
Are such people so desperate that they’re willing to stoop just to stay in government, including polishing Prime Minister Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s image?
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (middle) and Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz (right)Zafrul once said in an interview that he was ready to advise the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (Miti) and assist his successor during the transition.
Why pre-empt this? The next minister may be more qualified. Miti is run by capable professionals who will guide the new minister. Zafrul is not indispensable. When it’s time to leave, just leave.
He says he wants to stay in politics and not return to the corporate world. Of course, politics offers power and less accountability, reporting only to the prime minister. In the corporate world, it’s hard work, deadlines, budgets, profitability, and accountability to the board of directors.
He doesn’t need to stand again in the next general election, hoping to win, and quitting if he loses. It’s clear he’s not a grassroots politician and likely won’t win.
BobbyO: Why bother, when Malaysian taxpayers foot the bill? Ministers are often selected to return favours, not for capability. Some are chosen due to pressure from higher authorities or simply because they belong to a political party, to fill quotas.
In the end, the public pays for these inconveniences, while appointees enjoy perks and benefits. Before elections, a hundred promises are made. Once in power, they act as if the nation belongs to them.
Just like the upcoming state election in Sabah on Nov 29, Sabahans should lead by refusing to elect corrupt politicians who abuse their positions to benefit family and friends.
Anonymous_3F4b: What’s so great about Zafrul that the Madani government still needs him?
He has a privileged background, having attended elite schools both locally and abroad, and has secured high-level, influential corporate roles. Anyone with his kind of privilege could have done the same.
His senatorship is maxed out after two terms. He should stay out until the next election and contest to prove his political worth, which he failed to do in the 2022 general election.
Tengku Zafrul contested Kuala Selangor under BN, but is now a PKR member.Just A Malaysian: I’ve always had doubts about Zafrul. He looks smart, speaks decent English, and has a charming smile. But he’s a banker/technocrat who was in GLC-adjacent roles and private sector financial institutions.
Did he build a startup like well-known business entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, from one plane to a massive fleet with AirAsia? Or did he climb up from the bottom like other entrepreneurs without government help?
I’ve heard him speak many times - never impressed. What has he changed in his career? What failed companies has he revived? It’s time to let him go.
GP2025: If Zafrul is smart, he’ll read the signs and exit politics. He hasn’t made a meaningful contribution. His role in the United States–Malaysia trade deal raised doubts about his financial stewardship.
An advisory role is a backdoor entry. If he can’t say “No” for the nation’s good, he’s just baggage.
His willingness to serve unelected shows a poor understanding of democratic principles. He survives on appointed positions.
It’s good he wants to contest, but he hasn’t shown grassroots engagement. He might be better off exploring other options.
Penanglang Who To Vote Come GE16: In fairness, Zafrul wasn’t plucked off the street to lead Miti. He’s a former banker, fluent in English - a key asset in international business - and a former CEO of CIMB Group Holdings Berhad.
His academic credentials speak for themselves:
University of Bristol (Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting)
University of Exeter (Master of Arts in Finance and Management)
Tsinghua University (Executive MBA)
Can anyone in PAS or Bersatu match his calibre?
Apanama is back: Penanglang, it is not his qualifications or English-speaking skills that matter. It is his competence and acceptance by the people.
He was rejected in Kuala Selangor in the last election. You need to know more about him. Go and find out more.
Moreover, your benchmark against PAS and Bersatu is another proof that you lack knowledge on the matter. You should compare Zafrul with someone better than him, not below him. - Mkini

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