KUALA LUMPUR: Former Selangor Umno treasurer Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz today lambasted the state chapter for its half-hearted efforts to rejuvenate itself after its dismal performance in the state elections last year.
Tengku Zafrul, who is also the investment, trade and industry minister, said the party's severe defeat should serve as a "final warning" as it only won two out of the 12 seats it contested.
He added that nothing would change if the results of the state election failed to stir the party in the state.
"What is the direction of Selangor Umno? In the 2022 General Elections (GE15), Umno recorded its worst performance in history, where not a single seat (we contested) was won.
"It has also been eight months since the state election and there is nothing (being done). In-depth post-mortem analysis? None. Strategies to win the hearts of the people? None.
"Hence, if my view on the urgent need to restore Umno's glory in Selangor is not accepted, I think it is better for me to focus on helping the party at the central and division level," he said in a statement today.
Tengku Zafrul also suggested that the state chapter outlined a "win-win" strategy to cooperate with its partners in the state government.
He also said that there was a need to adopt new political cultures based on intellectual discourses that were focused on solutions and policies.
"We must also conduct a study that reflects the pulse of the Selangor population. If we do not change the culture, we will remain ineffective no matter how solid our vision plan is," he said.
Despite his resignation, he said he was still committed to the state chapter and Kota Raja division.
"I believe that we all share the same dream, which is to see Selangor Umno regain its relevance and respect from the people.
"The journey is not easy, we need to work hard, but this is the struggle and dream that must be realised."
On Monday (April 1), Tengku Zafrul announced his resignation as Selangor Umno treasurer, citing differences with the state chapter's leadership.
In a Facebook post, he said cooperation between parties in the unity government must be strengthened.
He added that when he was elected as a member of the Supreme Council and appointed as treasurer of Selangor Umno over a year ago, he aimed to bring a resurgence of the party in the state. It was time for the changes to take place swiftly, he said.