(Kuching, 31st) UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid expressed hope that following Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul's departure from the party, the Unity Government can restore UMNO's quota of 7 ministerial positions in the Cabinet.
As the Chairman of Barisan Nasional, Ahmad Zahid pointed out that UMNO originally had 7 ministerial representatives, but with Tengku Zafrul's resignation, there are currently only 6 remaining.
“The most important thing is that UMNO should have 7 ministerial representatives in the federal Cabinet. Although we cannot confirm whether Tengku Zafrul was appointed as a minister as a member of UMNO, we assume he was a member,”
“If the situation is true, then after Tengku Zafrul's departure, UMNO is left with 6 official ministers. Therefore, it is reasonable for the party to request the government to reallocate a ministerial seat to UMNO.”
He stated this during a press conference after attending a Gawai Dayak celebration held at Kampung Raibaru, Selangor.
Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul, who also serves as the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, announced his resignation from the UMNO Supreme Council, his position as the Kota Raja division chief, and his membership in UMNO. In his statement, he expressed his desire to join the People's Justice Party (PKR) and work alongside PKR Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar and the party's secretary-general Foziyah Salleh.
Ahmad Zahid also confirmed that Tengku Zafrul's resignation letter was received this morning and has been handed over to the UMNO executive secretary for processing.
He added that he would seek legal advice to clarify whether Tengku Zafrul, as a Barisan Nasional candidate during the 15th General Election (GE15), violated any agreements.
“According to the candidate's signed declaration, if they exit the party after being elected or defeated, they face a liability of 100 million ringgit in compensation.”
“Although Tengku Zafrul lost in the last election, he was subsequently appointed as a senator. Therefore, I will further verify this matter with our legal advisors.”
As the Chairman of Barisan Nasional, Ahmad Zahid pointed out that UMNO originally had 7 ministerial representatives, but with Tengku Zafrul's resignation, there are currently only 6 remaining.
“The most important thing is that UMNO should have 7 ministerial representatives in the federal Cabinet. Although we cannot confirm whether Tengku Zafrul was appointed as a minister as a member of UMNO, we assume he was a member,”
“If the situation is true, then after Tengku Zafrul's departure, UMNO is left with 6 official ministers. Therefore, it is reasonable for the party to request the government to reallocate a ministerial seat to UMNO.”
He stated this during a press conference after attending a Gawai Dayak celebration held at Kampung Raibaru, Selangor.
Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul, who also serves as the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, announced his resignation from the UMNO Supreme Council, his position as the Kota Raja division chief, and his membership in UMNO. In his statement, he expressed his desire to join the People's Justice Party (PKR) and work alongside PKR Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar and the party's secretary-general Foziyah Salleh.
Ahmad Zahid also confirmed that Tengku Zafrul's resignation letter was received this morning and has been handed over to the UMNO executive secretary for processing.
He added that he would seek legal advice to clarify whether Tengku Zafrul, as a Barisan Nasional candidate during the 15th General Election (GE15), violated any agreements.
“According to the candidate's signed declaration, if they exit the party after being elected or defeated, they face a liability of 100 million ringgit in compensation.”
“Although Tengku Zafrul lost in the last election, he was subsequently appointed as a senator. Therefore, I will further verify this matter with our legal advisors.”