Selangor MB says he plans to serve full term amid swirling speculation of political manoeuvring
PETALING JAYA: Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari has rubbished claims that he will vacate his Sungai Tua state seat to pave the way for Tengku Zafrul Aziz, calling the rumours “wild imagination” by certain quarters out to stir speculation online.
The PKR vice-president firmly rejected suggestions of a political move reminiscent of the controversial 2014 “Kajang Move”, which ultimately led to the resignation of the late Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as menteri besar despite a strong state majority at the time.
“I don’t think (I will vacate the seat). I want to complete my term in full and ensure harmony, because there’s still a lot that needs to be done,” Amirudin told Sinar Harian, adding that party focus should remain on strengthening ties between federal and state leadership, and preparing for the Sabah state election.
The Kajang Move, engineered by PKR in 2014 to replace Khalid with Anwar Ibrahim via a by-election, failed after Anwar’s sodomy conviction was upheld. Azmin Ali eventually assumed the menteri besar role, but the episode left Selangor’s political landscape shaken.
Amirudin, also Gombak MP, made it clear he is not interested in repeating past political drama, particularly when the state is in need of stable leadership.
The speculation gained momentum after Tengku Zafrul, currently the investment, trade and industry minister, left Umno and announced plans to join PKR. His Senate term ends later this year, sparking talk of a possible by-election route to keep him in the Cabinet – or even propel him to Selangor’s top post.
Former Umno leader Isham Jalil further stoked the fire, claiming in a Facebook video that Amirudin could be “ordered” to make way for Zafrul. But Amirudin brushed off the rumours, reinforcing his commitment to his current role.
With whispers of a Cabinet reshuffle also in the air following the resignations of ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, all eyes are on what PKR’s next strategic move will be — but for now, Amirudin is staying put.
