Zahid downplays Puad’s exit, says party respects decision to leave

 The Umno president says the party will focus on supporting all 56 BN candidates in the Johor polls.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (left) wished Puad Zarkashi well, expressing appreciation for the former Rengit assemblyman’s contributions to the party.

PETALING JAYA:

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has brushed aside the resignation of Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi, saying the party respects the decision of those who choose to leave.

Zahid said Umno deeply values the loyalty of both long-serving and new leaders who continue to support the Johor Barisan Nasional leadership, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“What is important is supporting all 56 BN candidates in the Johor state election on July 11,” he was quoted as saying after officiating the 2026 International Open Karate Championship at Stadium Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur.

“We appreciate his contributions to Umno over the years. I wish Puad Zarkashi all the best.”

Puad, the outgoing assemblyman for Rengit, announced his resignation from Umno on Thursday, citing concerns over what he described as a lack of autonomy in the Johor chapter’s decision-making.

Johor Umno chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi rejected the claims, while Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki alleged that Puad’s resignation was driven by dissatisfaction over his son not being selected as the BN candidate for Rengit.

Puad has since denied the allegation, insisting that the candidate selection mechanism drove him to quit.

Nomination day for the Johor state election is tomorrow, with polling set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. - FMT