SHAH ALAM: Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has been appointed as the Selangor Barisan Nasional treasurer.
In announcing the appointment, Selangor Barisan chief Tan Sri Noh Omar said he had also appointed former Selangor Barisan treasurer Datuk Seri Jamal Md Yunos as the state coalition’s communications chief.
The announcement was made during Noh’s speech at the closing ceremony of the Selangor Barisan National Convention at Setia City Convention Centre last night.
Noh also hinted someone would bring some gula (sweetness) to Barisan.
With his appointment, Tengku Zafrul has now officially ventured into politics. This will also pave the way for him to contest in the next general election.
Tengku Zafrul, wearing Barisan’s signature blue shirt, was given a warm welcome upon arrival at the venue.
Tengku Zafrul was appointed as Finance Minister after being sworn in as a senator following the fall of Pakatan Harapan after the Sheraton Move.
Top party leaders identified the former banker as Selangor Barisan’s GE15 “poster boy” with the “wow” factor with the appointment.
Meanwhile, Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in his closing speech that something extraordinary must be done to address an out-of-ordinary situation in the state to wrest Selangor.
Ahmad Zahid also said it was time for the veterans to make way for newcomers in the political arena.
“Our time has passed, we must help the new faces,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also clarified Noh’s earlier statement that someone would be bringing sugar to Barisan.
“Tan Sri Noh Omar said there will be sugar. Tengku Zafrul is the one bringing the sugar,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He said Barisan must be prepared for a game changer, saying that if there is to be a change of government in Selangor, the veterans must be willing to step back and make way for new faces.
There are many capable young professionals in Selangor, he said, adding that those in politics must be willing to accept them with an open heart.
“We have been warlords for a long time. If we want change in Selangor, accept anyone who is loyal to the party and who can help, no matter where he is from.
“If there is someone with potential, why not we take him under our wing if he can help us?” Ahmad Zahid said.
He added that party members should not feel unsafe or threatened by newcomers.
“I’m confident that if they can rise without stepping on anyone else, we are safe,” he said.
Earlier in the evening, Selangor MCA chief Ng Chok Sin said that since 2019, it has been evident that the rakyat’s trust was returning to Barisan, which lost federal power to Pakatan Harapan in the 14th General Election the year before.
“This was seen in Barisan’s victory in various by-elections and the Melaka and Johor state elections most recently.
“The victories in previous by-elections and state elections surely inject us with more determination to work harder.
“Unity between component parties is essential, and we must move as a team and continue the momentum to convince the rakyat that Barisan is the best choice,” said Ng in his speech at the convention’s closing ceremony.
Later when speaking to reporters, Tengku Zafrul thanked Barisan for the coalition’s trust in him as the Selangor Barisan treasurer and said he would give his full cooperation.
On whether he will be a candidate in the next general election, Tengku Zafrul said it is up to the Barisan leadership to decide.