Puad Zarkashi Defends Exit from UMNO, Questions Candidate Selection Process for Johor Polls
JOHOR BAHRU: Rengit assemblyman Datuk Dr. Mohd. Puad Zarkashi has defended his decision to leave UMNO, saying it was driven by his dissatisfaction with the party’s candidate selection process for the upcoming Johor state election.
He said his departure was intended as a protest against what he described as a system that overlooked younger leaders while favouring selected individuals in the allocation of election seats.
Among the appointments he questioned was the selection of former Endau assemblywoman Alwiyah Talib as Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Endau constituency after her return to UMNO from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
According to Mohd. Puad, the decision raised concerns over why long-serving youth and women’s wing leaders within the party were not considered for the seat instead.
He also criticised the replacement of former Tiram assemblyman Azizul Bachok with Senator Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman, arguing that the move denied younger representatives the opportunity to continue serving.
Mohd. Puad said he had previously raised objections to the candidate selection mechanism but claimed his concerns were not addressed, prompting him to leave the party.
He stressed that his protest was directed at the selection process rather than UMNO’s broader political struggle.
Responding to criticism over his suggestion that his son be considered as a candidate, Mohd. Puad argued that recommending a qualified and well-prepared family member should not automatically be viewed negatively.
He further alleged that many children and spouses of senior UMNO leaders currently hold positions in government-linked companies (GLCs), adding that he intends to release further details on the matter in a separate statement.
