Tengku Zafrul confirms meeting UMNO president over potential exit

UMNO Supreme Council member, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul  Abdul Aziz, has confirmed that he discussed his potential departure from the party with UMNO President, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, emphasising that he is in no rush to make any decisions regarding his political future.

Tengku Zafrul, who also serves as the head of UMNO's Kota Raja division and the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), acknowledged that he met with Ahmad Zahid today to hear his views and advice about leaving UMNO.

The meeting was an open and candid conversation where Zahid advised Zafrul not to make any hasty decisions.

"Yes, I met with Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid, and during that time, I discussed my position within the party. I listened to his advice, which was not to rush into any decisions," Tengku Zafrul said. "I am not in a hurry. I met him to listen to his views and to discuss the matter thoroughly. At this point, I have taken Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid’s advice into account, and my focus remains on my work," he added.

The discussion was reportedly a constructive exchange of ideas, where both leaders considered not only Tengku Zafrul's interests but also the broader impact on UMNO.

Tengku Zafrul described the conversation as "very good," explaining that it was conducted in a spirit of openness, with both parties agreeing that any decision should be made carefully, considering both his personal circumstances and the potential consequences for the party.

"It was a very productive meeting. We both agreed that it’s important to think things through carefully, as any decision I make will affect not only myself but also the party. I have been advised to take my time, and that’s exactly what I am doing," Tengku Zafrul said.

Previously, media reports indicated that there were discussions surrounding the possibility of Tengku Zafrul leaving UMNO to join PKR.

President of PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had confirmed that there were early talks regarding Zafrul's potential membership, adding that PKR was open to welcoming any individual who could contribute to the party.

Ahmad Zahid had also confirmed the reports, acknowledging that Tengku Zafrul had expressed his intention to leave UMNO but reassured that Zafrul had agreed to his advice to avoid making a rush decision.

"He has agreed with my advice," Zahid said in a media briefing after a Ramadan event with UMNO’s MKT members.

As of now, Tengku Zafrul remains a member of UMNO, with no official decision made regarding his future political alignment. - March 13, 2025