KUALA LUMPUR (June 12):  Outgoing Umno member Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said on Thursday his focus remains firmly on fulfilling his current duties in government, and dismissed speculation that he may contest in any upcoming by-election or seek alternative roles in the Cabinet.

"One, I have made it very clear that I will focus on the job — there is a lot of work to be done. Number two, I will leave it to the Prime Minister to decide on my role as minister. Third, I intend to complete my senatorship, which ends in December," Zafrul told reporters when asked about his political future following the launch of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030. 

He added that his resignation from Umno was not driven by a desire to assume another political position. “The decision of me resigning has nothing to do with me wanting to be part of another role in the government, be it minister or Menteri Besar,” he said.

Zafrul also again ruled out contesting any by-election, stating clearly that such speculation is unfounded. “Of course, I have not thought about it, because there are too many things to focus on today. There is work that I have to focus on. But my intention is to continue to contribute in any way up till December,” he said.

“It doesn't even have to be through a position in the government. You can contribute to the government and the country in many ways. To me, that is important. Politically, I will want to continue to serve the country,” he added.

On May 30, Zafrul announced his resignation as an Umno supreme council member, Kota Raja Umno division chief and Umno member. He also disclosed that he had informed the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leadership of his intention to join the party.

His departure from Umno came amid broader political developments, including the surprise resignations of Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from their Cabinet posts, after the internal restructuring within PKR.