Tengku Zafrul’s political moves: Manipulation or strategic planning?
The maneuver, seen as Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz’s attempt to secure a more permanent political position has triggered public debate over its implications for political integrity and coalition dynamics.
SHAH ALAM - Experts are saying that people would not be happy with "Langkah Zafrul" as it would appear like manipulation and urged the former finance minister to wait for the next election cycle.
The maneuver, seen as Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz’s attempt to secure a more permanent political position has triggered public debate over its implications for political integrity and coalition dynamics.
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said Zafrul's actions could alienate the public.
"I think people would not be happy with a "Langkah Zafrul" because it would appear like manipulation. He should wait for the next cycle of elections," she told Sinar Daily.
Syaza noted that Zafrul’s political rise appeared driven by his popularity among political elites rather than through the people’s mandate.
However, she warned that this move could backfire him if it was not thoroughly discussed and agreed upon between Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Umno.
"He needs to find a way to stay relevant. While he can remain in Umno, Zafrul is better utilised for urban areas.
"It could be bad if it is not discussed and agreed between PKR and Umno, but if Umno is involved in the decision, it should not be an issue," she said.
She added that while youth involvement was critical in shaping future leadership, experienced leaders like Zafrul were equally essential.
"It’s all about balance and Zafrul can provide that, especially since he has relatively less baggage compared to other politicians," she added.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged that PKR had engaged in preliminary discussions regarding Zafrul’s potential entry into the party.
Anwar who is the party's president confirmed that PKR had remained open to welcoming new members.
There were also ongoing rumours suggesting that Zafrul could join PKR and potentially replace Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari.
Meanwhile, O2 Research Malaysia chief researcher Anis Anwar Suhaimi highlighted that while the maneuver might evoke memories of Anwar's Port Dickson move or the Kajang Move, the context surrounding Zafrul was different.
"Anwar’s Port Dickson move was seen as a guerrilla-like power struggle, whereas Tengku Zafrul’s situation involves negotiation and discussions with party leaders," Anis said when contacted.
He pointed out that the Selangor residents were no strangers to such political moves.
He said given Zafrul's corporate background, many Selangor residents might view his leadership as a step towards further prosperity.
Zafrul's non-confrontational stance also made him a likable figure across party lines, Anis added.
However, he said Zafrul’s reliance on his senatorial position after losing the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15) has drawn scrutiny.
"Had he either won in GE15 or been nominated during the Selangor state election, the current circumstances affecting Zafrul and by extension, the Umno-PKR relationship, might have been avoided," he said.
However, Anis said the extent to which this influenced the camaraderie within the unity government remained manageable since Zafrul's own statements demonstrated his understanding of organisational decorum within political parties.
This situation, he said has been exacerbated by overreactions that failed to ameliorate the circumstances, whether through persistent attacks on Zafrul himself or among coalition parties.
As debates continued, Zafrul’s next move could define his political career, with experts urging him to prioritise coalition stability and public trust.
