SHAH ALAM - Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi likened Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz to a highly sought-after figure in politics, saying he was in demand across various political parties.
He speculated that Zafrul's popularity stemmed from unusual circumstances, comparing it to the high demand for freshly made ‘pisang goreng panas’.
"Political parties today are like corporate companies. There are individuals, much like chief executive officers (CEOs), who are in demand no matter where they go.
"Could it be linked to a royal addendum decree that PKR cannot defy?” he wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.
Recently, Zafrul, who also serves as the Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister, has become the focus of speculation.
In addition to rumours of him joining PKR, he was also said to be a potential candidate to replace Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as the Selangor Menteri Besar.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that early discussions had taken place with Zafrul regarding these matters.
Puad expressed agreement with Zafrul’s statement that he had the right to decide which party to join.
"He is absolutely right. It is his decision to choose the party he wishes to align with. Umno members can be upset, but there is little they can do about it,” Puad said.
"If Zafrul does join PKR, the party should bear the blame. PKR has the authority to reject him if it values morality and loyalty—especially in preserving the spirit of friendship and unity within the government coalition,” he added.