FridayOL

PETALING JAYA: Forget the rumours swirling around Tengku Zafrul Aziz and a potential GE16 comeback. Ampang PKR chief Syed Ahmad Abdul Rahman Alhadad has firmly dismissed the speculation, stating that it's unlikely the former Finance Minister will be thrown into the mix for a state or parliamentary seat.

The buzz around Tengku Zafrul’s political future has been persistent, fuelled by whispers of a possible return to frontline politics. However, Syed Ahmad’s comments provide a significant reality check, suggesting that the PKR leadership isn't considering him for a candidate role in the upcoming general election.

“There’s been a lot of talk, but nothing concrete,” Syed Ahmad told The Star in a recent interview. “Based on what I know, Tengku Zafrul is not being considered for any seat, whether state or parliamentary.”

This declaration comes amidst ongoing discussions and strategizing within Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding candidate selections for GE16. The coalition is facing the challenging task of balancing experience, popularity, and winnability as they aim to secure a strong mandate from the Malaysian electorate.

Tengku Zafrul’s previous tenure as Finance Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic saw him implement various economic stimulus packages aimed at mitigating the impact of the crisis on businesses and individuals. While widely credited for his efforts, his political future has remained uncertain since leaving the cabinet.

Why the Dismissal?

Several factors could be contributing to PKR's apparent lack of interest in fielding Tengku Zafrul. Some analysts suggest that his perceived image as an “outsider” to traditional PKR grassroots support might be a hurdle. Others point to the need for PKR to prioritize and showcase its own pool of talent and loyal members.

Furthermore, the political landscape has shifted considerably since the last general election. PKR is likely carefully evaluating the potential impact of fielding a candidate who may not be deeply entrenched within the party's base.

Looking Ahead

While Syed Ahmad's comments offer a clear perspective on the current situation, the political climate is notoriously unpredictable. It’s possible that circumstances could change, and Tengku Zafrul’s role in GE16 might be revisited. However, for now, the rumour mill can rest, at least according to the Ampang PKR chief.

The focus now shifts to PKR's candidate selection process, with the party expected to announce its lineup in the coming weeks. The choices made will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of GE16 and influence the outcome of the election.