PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that a new set of responsibilities for Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will be announced on Wednesday, 3 December, as the minister completes his term at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) tomorrow.
Anwar said Tengku Zafrul’s contribution to strengthening Malaysia’s international business networks in recent years has been significant and warrants his continued service in government.
“He still has responsibilities and cannot simply step away. I informed him that while his tenure as MITI Minister ends on the 2nd, he will continue to work, and I will announce his new role on the 3rd,” the Prime Minister said when launching Perodua’s first electric vehicle, the QV-E.
Anwar added that the reassignment reflects recognition of Tengku Zafrul’s performance.
“This also sends a signal of appreciation because I know what he has done. In the past year or two, I have travelled frequently abroad, and the role of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and others under his leadership has been commendable and has shown clear results.”
Tengku Zafrul, whose term as Senator ends tomorrow (Dec 2), has indicated that he is prepared to continue serving the nation in whatever capacity is entrusted to him.
“Apparently, I have been given the opportunity to continue serving. In what capacity, I am still waiting to learn,” he said, underscoring that the final decision rests with the country’s leadership.
He expressed gratitude to the MITI leadership and civil service for their support during his tenure.
“Tomorrow is my final day at MITI. I greatly appreciate the trust and collaboration extended to me. Naturally, there is some sadness in leaving the ministry, but I am confident the MITI team is well-positioned to continue driving the nation’s investment and industrial sector,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul also confirmed that incentives for locally assembled electric vehicles will remain in place until the end of 2027, a move aimed at keeping EV prices affordable.
“This measure helps sustain reasonable EV pricing. We hope that after 2027, there will be room to discuss with the Ministry of Finance the possibility of extending EV incentives, particularly as many models are priced below RM100,000 and are manufactured in Malaysia,” he added.
Tengku Zafrul was first appointed Senator in March 2020, serving as Minister of Finance, before beginning his second term in December 2022 and assuming the MITI portfolio.
His future role, to be revealed this Wednesday, will determine the next chapter of his service in the Unity Government. - December 1, 2025
