Tengku Zafrul resigns as Selangor Umno treasurer

PUTRAJAYA - Kota Raja Division Umno leader Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz announced his resignation as Selangor Umno Treasurer.

Through a post on his Facebook page today, Tengku Zafrul said the revival of the party in the state was seen as dull and not in line with the theme of central Umno.

"I saw for myself how president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the national leadership never stop charting the way for the revival of the party at the central level.

"But no matter how great the central planning is, in Selangor the implementation is dull and there are times when it is not in line with the central theme," he said.

The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said the approach and principle he practiced was simple, that was if he could not contribute to positive change or improvement then he should not hold a position.

"It is better that I vacate the position to be filled by people who can contribute more effectively," he explained.

He said Selangor was a very important state for any political party to establish a foothold.

"The complex demographics with a Bumiputera Malay majority base, coupled with a balance of urban and rural areas, reflect the broader dynamics of Malaysia.

"The dynamism of the economy has always placed Selangor as the focal point of all activities," he said.

Tengku Zafrul added that when he was elected as an Umno Supreme Working Council member from Selangor and was appointed as Selangor Umno Treasurer more than a year ago, he had set a main goal to contribute to the revival of Umno in the state.

"As a result, if a party does not have a strong presence in Selangor, it is difficult for the party to be called a national party or a party for the future," he said.

In order to prevent that from happening, a powerful strategy should be formulated with appropriate decisions according to the current reality.

"Last year's state election results should be a clear sign that a change needs to be implemented immediately.

"Among other things, the offer to Selangor voters should be fully constructed, tested and reviewed with stakeholders," he said.

In addition, he said cooperation with other parties should be strengthened, not weakened on the assumption that Umno’s problem lies in its relationship with other parties, not to mention that the relationship already exists at the central level.

"I express my gratitude for this appointment and trust and will continue my duties and roles as the elected Umno Divisional Leader and Supreme Working Council Member.

"I always pray that Allah SWT approves our struggle together and that Umno, especially Selangor Umno, regains its footing in the hearts of the people of this state, God willing," he said.