Kuala lumpur: UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has decided to leave the party, driven by dissatisfaction over his son not being selected as a candidate for the Rengit state seat. This was revealed by UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Asyraf Wajdi, in a Facebook post, described Mohd Puad's claim that the Johor palace controlled Johor UMNO and had ordered the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) as baseless. He stated that Mohd Puad had previously threatened to criticize and quit UMNO if his son was not considered for the Rengit seat.

Asyraf Wajdi elaborated that although Mohd Puad's son is young and shows potential as a future leader, the party must evaluate multiple factors when selecting election candidates. He recounted a similar instance during Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's presidency when Mohd Puad threatened to leave UMNO if not renominated as the Member of Parliament for Batu Pahat.

He emphasized that UMNO does not operate as a hereditary political party that favors family members for leadership roles. The party's mission, Asyraf Wajdi explained, transcends personal interests and familial demands. He highlighted UMNO's substantial contributions in providing opportunities and platforms for leaders to grow and serve.

Asyraf Wajdi reiterated that UMNO must continue to uphold its commitment to race, religion, and the nation, resisting pressure from individuals. Mohd Puad, earlier today, announced on Facebook his immediate resignation from UMNO, citing the decision as voluntary to allow him greater freedom of expression.

Following the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly on June 1, the Election Commission has designated June 27 as the nomination day for the Johor state election, with polling scheduled for July 11.