Kuala Lumpur: The review of a pledge signed by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, a Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in Malaysia’s 15th General Election (PRU15), is deemed unenforceable as he did not win in the election. This was clarified by UMNO Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Hasan explained that Tengku Zafrul’s appointment as the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry was based on his role as a senator, not as an elected representative. “That is not included within the scope of the agreement because Tengku Zafrul did not win the election. That is a pledge made by an elected representative or a State Assemblyman or a Member of Parliament,” Mohamad stated. He further clarified that the agreement concerns those who win and hold a seat on behalf of the party, which involves signing multiple agreements.

Mohamad’s comments came in response to a statement by UMNO Supreme Council Member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who called for stern action against Tengku Zafrul after he announced his departure from UMNO to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). Mohd Puad also suggested reviewing Tengku Zafrul’s pledge as a BN candidate in PRU15, which included a potential demand for RM100 million in compensation if his move is considered party-hopping. Tengku Zafrul, who lost in the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat, recently resigned from his positions within UMNO.

When asked about the impact of Tengku Zafrul’s resignation on UMNO, Mohamad, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rembau, expressed that it would not significantly affect the party, given Tengku Zafrul did not hold a high position.

In related matters, Mohamad, serving as the Foreign Minister, emphasized that combating human trafficking and scam crimes involving Malaysians in Vietnam remains a priority for Malaysia.