SHAH ALAM - Despite his loss in the 15th General Election (GE15), former finance minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has been appointed as the International Trade and Industry Minister under the unity government.
This appointment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could be an exception since Tengku Zafrul had vast experience and background in his previous posts which would contribute to improve the country's economy.
Political expert Prof Madya Dr Ummu Atiyah Ahmad Zakuan said Tengku Zafrul’s experience paired up with several other ministers in the unity government could make a good combination which would benefit the country.
"Tengku Zafrul is appointed as International Trade and Industry Minister, and with the combination of Prime Minister as the Finance Minister along with Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister perhaps the trio is a strong combination to spearhead the national economic growth and resilience,” she said.
Echoing Dr Ummu Atiyah’s view, political Analyst Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal also believed in Tengku Zafrul capabilities to lead the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
"Tengku Zafrul seemed to come out of nowhere when he was appointed as a Finance Minister under the old government, but I believe he has the special qualities that render his service so important to the present government and not to forget, his experience in the industry may bring positive results to the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, political expert Dr Shamsul Baharuddin said that Tengku Zafrul had the potential to have a vast network of business leaders, both local and foreign.
"He is reputed to have a large network of corporate captains, foreign and local, that suits his position as the International Trade and Industry Minister,” he said.
Last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Datuk Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz had been appointed as the International Trade and Industry Minister.
The announcement of the cabinet line-up, which was held in Putrajaya at 8.20pm, was broadcast live through local television stations and social media platforms.
The election for the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat saw Tengku Zafrul lost to Pakatan Harapan candidate Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad.