KUCHING: United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has officially received the resignation letter from Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz, according to UMNO President, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid confirmed that the letter was received by UMNO Working Secretary, Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, this morning.
“This means his resignation from the party and termination of his UMNO membership has been formally acknowledged,” Zahid said at a press conference after officiating the Program Pekebun Kecil Makmur dan Sambutan Pra Gawai Peringkat RISDA Negeri Sarawak Tahun 2025 at Kampung Raeh Baru, Siburan, today.
With Tengku Zafrul, who also serves as Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, leaving UMNO, Zahid said the party is now entitled to request for one additional full ministerial position to maintain its representation in the cabinet at seven ministers.
“When he was appointed as minister, it was under the previous government, and he was not clearly representing UMNO.
“However, when one of UMNO’s vice-presidents became Prime Minister, it was implied that Zafrul’s appointment was through the UMNO quota.
‘In the current Unity Government under the MADANI administration, it also appeared as though he was representing UMNO.
“Therefore, I believe it’s important that UMNO maintains a total of seven ministers in the Cabinet.
“Although we can’t confirm whether his appointment was strictly under UMNO’s banner, it was generally assumed to be so.
“Now that he’s no longer with UMNO, that number drops to six. So, it’s only reasonable for UMNO to request for an additional ministerial seat,” he said.
Zahid also revealed that he had discussions with Zafrul during the last parliamentary session three months ago.
He stated he has no personal issue with Zafrul’s departure but stressed the importance of ethical conduct within the Unity Government.
“We are in a Unity Government, and it is unethical for any component party to accept members from another party within this coalition,” he said.
He also affirmed that the statement released by UMNO’s Secretary-General reflects the official stance of the party’s leadership.
When asked whether Tengku Zafrul’s exit would be classified as party-hopping – which could potentially trigger a RM100-million penalty – Zahid said he would consult UMNO’s legal advisers.
“In the last general election (GE15), candidates from UMNO or Barisan Nasional who won and then left the party are bound by a RM100-million penalty under a signed pledge (Aku Janji).
“However, Tengku Zafrul lost his parliamentary bid and was later appointed as a senator.
“I’ll need to verify with our legal advisers whether this pledge applies to his case. We’ll inform once that’s confirmed,” Zahid said.
On May 30, Tengku Zafrul announced his resignation from UMNO and stated his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
