KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded the unity government component parties not to poach party members from other parties in the coalition.
Responding to a rumour of Umno Supreme Council member and Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz leaving Umno for PKR, Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister said if such a situation happens, it would offend other parties in the government.
"In such a situation, it is best for us to maintain unity among ourselves, and any party member or leader must prioritise the party's interests rather than their personal interests.
"Any personal agenda must be set aside if one wants their party to be given priority.
"If personal interests are prioritised, then it is up to the members and the public to judge that person's integrity," Zahid said after officiating the 14th Ketengah College Convocation Ceremony today.
He added that as of now, he has not received any application from Zafrul to leave the party.
On Friday, media reported that intense negotiations were underway over the possibility of Tengku Zafrul leaving Umno for PKR, with a decision expected within the next two days, according to sources within Selangor Umno.
The source said if Zafrul joins PKR, the announcement is likely to be made on Sunday during PKR's congress.
The source also said members from Tengku Zafrul's camp were finalising negotiations with their PKR counterparts over the matter.
Meanwhile, another source close to the matter said Tengku Zafrul was expected to play a bigger role in Selangor's administration and economic progress.