Puad Zarkashi’s son upset over ’spy’ label by Umno members

 Omar Hafidz says he remains loyal to Umno despite his father quitting the party late last month.

Former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi’s son, Omar Hafidz, said he had been told that his presence during campaigning made some Umno members and a candidate uneasy. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Former Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi’s son, Omar Hafidz, regretted that he had been labelled a “spy” while campaigning for Barisan Nasional in the run-up to the Johor election.

Omar revealed that while campaigning for the BN Senggarang candidate, a divisional leader informed him that his presence made some uneasy, Sinar Harian reported.

“I was told that there were those who considered me a spy for my father. I was informed that my pictures should be removed from (social media) postings featuring the candidate.

“It was extremely disappointing because all I wanted to do was to help my party,” he was quoted as saying.

Puad quit Umno in late June, saying he could no longer remain silent over what he described as Johor Umno’s lack of autonomy in decision-making.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki later alleged that Puad had threatened to quit the party and publicly criticise it if his son was not nominated for his Rengit seat in the state election.

This evening, Omar said while he respected his father’s decision to leave Umno, he has a different stance and would remain with the party.

He said the decision by some to “punish” loyal members like himself by branding them as spies would make it difficult for Umno to attract more youths to the party.

“My father once told me that a preacher’s job is not to judge but to invite (people to be closer to the faith). I believe the same principle also applies in politics,” he said.

Omar appealed to Umno members to refrain from judging or labelling others before understanding the actual circumstances, as this could have repercussions on the party.

He also said despite these accusations, he would not “respond with hatred”. - FMT