INTERNATIONAL Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will be contesting for a seat in the powerful Umno Supreme Council in the coming party elections.

He told Astro Awani that the move was necessary to build his political foundation and ensure his long-term success.

“I humbly offer myself to contest for a seat in the Umno Supreme Council with the hope that I can contribute further to the development of the party,” he was quoted as saying.

“Umno is an experienced political outfit comprising leaders who are mature in facing the challenges in the country’s political landscape.

“I believe that Umno leaders and grassroots want to see a combination of leadership that is more dynamic with diverse backgrounds to ensure that the process of strengthening the party post-15th general election could be achieved.”

Tengku Zafrul contested under the Umno/Barisan Nasional banner in Kuala Selangor in the November general election but lost to incumbent Dzulkefly Ahmad by 1,002 votes.

However, he was made a senator and given a minister’s post by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He had also been the finance minister in the administrations of Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Recently, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi named Tengku Zafrul to take charge of Selangor in the coming state elections.

He is widely expected to contest one of the state seats under the Kota Raja parliamentary constituency when the state polls are called later this year.

The state seats under Kota Raja are Sentosa, Sungai Kandis and Kota Kemuning, and Tengku Zafrul’s name has been linked with the latter two constituencies.

The Sungai Kandis seat has traditionally been contested by Umno. – February 1, 2023.