KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said he was shocked by the statements issued by Umno top leadership when rumours suggesting he was leaving the party for PKR began spreading in the country's political scene.
The Umno Supreme Council member, in a post on his Facebook account this evening, claimed that no one from the party's leadership had reached out to him to inquire about the truth surrounding the issue.
"Since the rumours first surfaced, I have not received any calls from the Umno leadership to ask about the real issue.
'The fact is, I left the corporate world to become a member of the government administration.
"I did this because I believe it is a career path that provides space and opportunities for me to serve the people and contribute directly to the national development agenda."
Without referring to any individuals or parties, Zafrul said he believed that the people are fed up with "petty" and "unhealthy" politics.
"This includes baseless behind-the-scenes attacks, backstabbing, and so on.
"I am convinced that what the people want is not extreme politics, but our collective efforts to build the people and the nation.
"Many are aware that I have previously raised these issues in the context of Selangor Umno, but unfortunately, these matters are still enveloping Selangor Umno," he said.
It was reported that Zafrul, who is Kota Raja Umno division chief, had resigned from his post as the Selangor Umno treasurer in March this year.
He cited differences with the Selangor Umno leadership that led to his resignation from the post.
Earlier today, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party firmly rejects any attempts by component parties in the unity government to poach its leaders into their fold.
Asyraf Wajdi issued the statement in the wake of claims suggesting that Zafrul was leaving the party for PKR.
He warned that the practice of recruiting members or leaders from other parties in the unity government would only fuel disputes and conflicts, ultimately destabilising the Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional cooperation.
Meanwhile, in Penang, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has once again fired a salvo at party leaders and members who are disloyal and seeking easy ways to ensure their political survival.
Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said BN leaders and members should not look for easy exits when they feel their time is nearing its end.