UMNO wants a Cabinet minister’s post following the departure of Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz from the party, says Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said this was because the party had seven Cabinet ministers previously and with Tengku Zafrul’s exit, this would mean the Barisan Nasional lynchpin is only left with six ministers.

“With Tengku Zafrul out of Umno, therefore the party is qualified to request for one full ministerial seat, so that it will still have seven,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters during a pre-Gawai celebration event in Serian, Sarawak on Saturday (May 31).

Ahmad Zahid also noted that when Tengku Zafrul was appointed to the Cabinet in 2023, it was not mentioned that this was made under an Umno ministerial quota.

“But, at the time, an Umno vice-president was appointed a minister based on the Umno quota, so this gives a perception that the appointment came about because he was representing Umno,” said Ahmad Zahid.

He was believed to be referring to Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is the present Defence Minister.

Ahmad Zahid also said although Tengku Zafrul had claimed to be an Umno member since 1997, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister had never mentioned his party membership when he was appointed to the Cabinet in 2023.

“He claimed he was a member of a branch under the Lembah Pantai division. But when he was appointed to the Cabinet, he did not mention he was representing Umno at that time,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said Tengku Zafrul’s letter has been received by Umno working secretary on Saturday (May 31) morning.

“There wasn’t a letter last night. But this morning, when I checked, the letter had been sent to the Umno working secretary,” said Ahmad Zahid.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also said that since the 15th General Election, Barisan and Umno candidates are bound by an agreement not to defect to another party with a RM100mil bond.

“But, Tengku Zafrul lost as an MP. Nevertheless, he was appointed as a senator.

“I will check with Umno’s legal advisors, on whether this agreement and bond is tied to his case. I will inform you,” said Ahmad Zahid.

Ahmad Zahid also said he had held discussions with Tengku Zafrul in Parliament three months ago, and he has no issues with him leaving Umno.

“But, we should know that it is unethical for any parties within the unity government to accept another member from an ally,” he added.

On Friday (May 30), Tengku Zafrul said he was resigning as Umno supreme council member, a Kota Raja division leader and a party member.

Tengku Zafrul had quit as Selangor Umno treasurer in April last year and speculation has been rife since last year that he would leave and join PKR.

PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh had said there is no special pathway to join the party and that everyone who wishes to join the party – including Tengku Zafrul – must follow the standard procedure.

Tengku Zafrul’s departure from Umno came following Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s resignation as economy minister and natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, respectively.