Dzulkefly won't flip-flop to battle 'desperado' Zafrul

Dzulkefly won't flip-flop to battle 'desperado' Zafrul


Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz's possible incursion into Kuala Selangor in the next general election will not change its incumbent MP Dzulkefly Ahmad's decision to retire.

The former health minister said he did not want to renege on his word.

“I am concerned if I change my mind because a minister-level 'parachute' candidate appears to want to contest, I will be accused of flip-flopping,” added the Amanah leader in a statement.

Dzulkefly said he made his intentions known to his party leaders more than six months ago.


Zafrul, who is ostensibly an Umno member, is purportedly shopping for a seat to contest in the next general election.

The finance minister appears to be keen on Kuala Selangor despite offers for him to contest in the nearby Sungai Besar seat.

Yesterday, he announced the Finance Ministry will adopt the Kuala Selangor district and revealed that a station for the East Coast Rail Link will be built in the district at Puncak Alam.

‘Cash is king’

Without mincing words, Dzulkefly said this showed Zafrul is a “desperado”.

“There is already a public perception that he is inclined to the 'cash is king' culture, and there is concern that he may be exposed to moral hazards amid the country planning to stamp out corruption and abuse of power,” he added.

Dzulkefly, however, expressed confidence that Kuala Selangor voters will not be swayed by handouts.

He also urged Zafrul to fulfil his promise under Budget 2021 to build an Urban Transformation Centre in Lembah Pantai first “before rushing to make new promises”.

Zafrul, who is a senator, had reportedly considered contesting in Lembah Pantai as well.

The ex-banker was appointed finance minister by former premier Muhyiddin Yassin. He retained his post under the current prime minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob.