KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has reportedly confirmed today that he will run in Umno’s election for a Supreme Council spot this year.

The move will be significant in his efforts to build a foundation in the service of politics for the long-term, he told Astro Awani.

"Yes, if given the opportunity, I would humbly offer myself to compete for a role in the Umno supreme council to provide service to the party,” he was quoted as saying.

He reportedly called the political landscape increasingly dynamic, which allows healthy and productive competition.

"Politics is dynamic by nature, and what is most important is an effective touch to give dignity to the community and country.

"Umno is an experienced party and the leaders of Barisan Nasional are mature enough to go through ups and downs, so I believe the party’s leaders and grassroots want to see a combination of more dynamic leadership and diverse backgrounds to ensure that the process of strengthening the party after the 15th general elections (GE15) goes well,” he added.

Last week, Tengku Zafrul was reportedly appointed a Kota Raja division committee member amid growing speculation that Umno will field him as its candidate there for the Selangor state election due this year.

He has reportedly been shortlisted as a possible candidate for one of the state constituencies under the greater Kota Raja parliamentary seat: Sungai Kandis or Kota Kemuning.

He is currently in his second-term as a senator, which will expire in 2025.

He was sworn in as a senator in December last year to fulfil Article 43(2)(b) of the Federal Constitution which requires ministers to either be a member of the Dewan Rakyat or the Dewan Negara.

The former banker had contested the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat in the GE15 last November but was defeated by Parti Amanah Negara’s Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.