KUALA LUMPUR: The claims by former Selangor Umno treasurer Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz shows his lack of awareness about the state chapter's efforts after its defeat in the 15th General Election (GE15), says a local leader.
Selangor Umno information chief Datuk Dr Mohd Zaidi Md Zain said the state chapter had conducted a comprehensive post-mortem and formulated new strategies, such as fielding prominent figures like Tengku Zafrul himself and former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin in previous elections.
In response to Tengku Zafrul's statement on the state chapter's efforts to rejuvenate itself, Zaidi said the former should refrain from issuing statements that could "embarrass" himself and confuse other parties.
"As a party leader, it would be better for him to directly participate in efforts to strengthen the party alongside the state and central leadership, rather than just enjoying the results of the painful struggle that Umno members went through for the party, despite not holding positions in the party or government," he said.
Previously, Tengku Zafrul 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 an Umno Supreme Council member, 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 said nothing would change if the results of the latest state election failed to stir the state chapter to act.
Zaidi said Tengku Zafrul's statement seemed to have an ulterior motive. He added that Tengku Zafrul also seemed to have isolated himself from the political movement of Selangor Umno.
He cited his absence from the state chapter's routine meeting yesterday night (April 6) despite being scheduled prior to his resignation.
"Tengku Zafrul should be present as the head of the Kota Raja division despite his resignation (as the treasurer) as one of the additional agendas in the meeting was to confirm his resignation as Selangor Umno treasurer, as well as the state's chapter stand on the matter.
"The meeting also saw all division chiefs and deputy chiefs, including the Kota Raja representative, supporting the leadership of Umno Selangor chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin.
"Many also expressed their regret over Tengku Zafrul's unfounded accusations that are far from actual facts," he said, adding that Tengku Zafrul's political secretary, Datuk Zainuri Mohd Zainal, who is Umno Klang division chief, was also not directly informed about the issuing of his statement.
On Monday (April 1), Tengku Zafrul announced his resignation as Selangor Umno treasurer, citing differences with the state chapter's leadership.
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.
Alluding to the party's decline since the last state election, Zafrul said it was time for changes to take place swiftly.