Dzulkefly said that while he wanted his constituents to benefit from any form of development, Tengku’s Zafrul’s “antics” painted him as a desperado.

He also said the perception that Tengku Zafrul was inclined towards the “cash is king” culture was worrying and exposed the latter as a “moral hazard” for a country that was aspiring to eradicate power abuse and corruption.

“I’m confident Kuala Selangor people will not be easily taken in by what appears to be political bribery to win support,” the Amanah leader said in a statement today.

Dzulkefly also said Tengku Zafrul ought to fulfil his promise of setting up an Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Lembah Pantai, a promise the latter made when he was rumoured to be eyeing the parliamentary seat there in 2020.

He said the promise of a new East Coast Rail Link station at Puncak Alam, and the finance ministry’s adoption of Kuala Selangor were unprecedented in 60 years of the Alliance and Barisan Nasional governments.

“The minister appears to be a desperado. He should fulfil earlier promises rather than make new ones.”

There has been speculation that Tengku Zafrul will contest the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat in GE15 on an Umno ticket. According to a news report, he is a member of the Lembah Pantai Umno division.

He recently announced the “adoption” of Kuala Selangor by his ministry, adding that an East Coast Rail Link station was slated to be built at Puncak Alam.

Observers had described this as a “clear indicator” that he would contest the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat.

FMT has contacted Tengku Zafrul for comment.