Umno supreme council member Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz was likely dropped as a candidate for the Selangor state election due to his rising popularity, according to Selangor DAP treasurer Ong Kian Ming.

Speaking at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute webinar today on the state polls in his capacity as the institute's fellow, Ong speculated that Zafrul, a former top banker with strong royal ties, was a threat to some Umno leaders aspiring to climb up the ranks.

"Zafrul enjoys popularity at the national and state level. He performed decently during the Covid-19 period. He would be an asset not only to...