PM Anwar To Announce Tengku Zafrul’s New Position On Dec 3

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who will end his duties as Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry effective tomorrow, will be appointed to a new position.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter will be announced on Dec 3 following his discussion with Tengku Zafrul regarding the continuity of responsibilities after he no longer leads the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

“Tengku Zafrul will not be here for much longer, but he still has responsibilities, and he cannot simply let them go. I told him that his term as MITI Minister ends on Dec 2, and that he will continue the work I will announce on Dec 3.

“This also signals, apart from our appreciation, that I know what he has done in expanding international trade networks,” he told the media after officiating the launch ceremony of Perodua’s first electric vehicle (EV) - the QV-E - here today, which was also attended by Tengku Zafrul.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said Tengku Zafrul’s role in steering MITI, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was very commendable.

“You all know that in the past one or two years, I have also undertaken many duties abroad, and the role of MITI and the MITI family - MIDA, MATRADE - all under his leadership, has been very impressive and has shown good achievements.

“So, as usual, if there is room, people who perform well, like Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, the former MITI secretary-general, cannot just be released, cannot run away from ongoing responsibilities. There is no retirement; they continue on, like (for example) Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad,” he added.

Meanwhile, responding to a question regarding reports that China had warned Malaysia and Cambodia about trade agreements with the United States, Anwar stressed that there is no reason for concern because Malaysia has provided the necessary clarification to Beijing.

“No, no. They only wanted clarification, and we have already given it. I don’t think we should regret anything. China is still a very important business partner. There were several explanations that we have indeed provided,” he said.

Anwar also revealed that he had personally discussed the matter with Premier Li Qiang. “In fact, I have also explained to Premier Li Qiang that there is nothing in the agreement (with the US) that prevents us from continuing to strengthen cooperation with China,” he said.

-- BERNAMA