KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Umno denies that it is not aligned with the party's central leadership, as alleged by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Selangor Umno information chief Datuk Mohd Zaidi Md Zain said Tengku Zafrul's claims — which were made when he quit as Selangor Umno treasures — were far from the truth.
"I was shocked by Tengku Zafrul's resignation announcement through social media. He should have at least discussed or written to Selangor Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin before expressing his dissatisfaction.
"Any internal issues in Selangor Umno can be resolved through discussion. I wonder what is the reason behind all his claims against Selangor Umno.
"This is especially surprising when all Selangor Umno leaders, including the chairman, have never had any misunderstandings or issues with Tengku Zafrul," he said when contacted today.
Zaidi added that Tengku Zafrul rarely attended Selangor Umno meetings, except at the beginning of his appointment.
"He could have voiced any objections or questioned the decisions of Selangor Umno all this time, or at the very least, he could have discussed with the chairman since they often meet at programmes.
"We need to investigate this matter because he (Tengku Zafrul) might be influenced or instigated by a third party," he said.
Zaidi said Megat Zulkarnain was the political secretary to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president.
"Certainly, all actions and decisions are in line with the stance of the party president. Furthermore, based on my experience, Megat Zulkarnain is open and friendly with all members regardless of their positions.
"He is a good listener, ready to hear any complaints and suggestions for the betterment of Umno, especially if there are views from the divisional leadership.
"Unfortunately, Tengku Zafrul rarely has discussions with Megat Zulkarnain, especially regarding his duties as the treasurer and Kota Raja division chief.
"Therefore, he should not make hasty accusations without getting accurate information from the highest leadership of Selangor Umno," he said.
Zaidi said Selangor Umno had no internal crisis and Megat Zulkarnain had the support of all division and wing leaders.
Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul announced his resignation as Selangor Umno treasurer, citing differences with the state chapter's leadership. (Link: https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/04/1032947/tengku-zafrul-quits...).
In a Facebook post, Tengku Zafrul said cooperation between parties in the unity government must be strengthened.
He said that when he was elected as a member of the Umno Supreme Council and appointed as the treasurer of Selangor Umno over a year ago, he aimed to bring a resurgence of Umno in the state.
Zafrul said it was time for changes to take place swiftly.
"I have seen firsthand how the Umno president and national leadership tirelessly craft plans for the party's resurgence. However, no matter how brilliant the central planning is, execution lies at the state and grassroots levels. I cannot comment on other states, but for my state of Selangor, the execution has been lacklustre and sometimes not in line with the central themes," he added.
Tengku Zafrul said his practice was to vacate a post if he could not make any positive changes.
