Puad Zarkashi's principled stand against interference
Puad Zarkashi resigns from UMNO, blaming external interference for Johor party's lost autonomy
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Key Points
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Puad Zarkashi announced his resignation from UMNO with immediate effect on June 25, 2026, in a Facebook post, stating he was leaving 'without a heavy heart' and that the move would allow him to criticise the party without being accused of betraying it.
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Johor Umno chief Noor Azleen Ambros slammed Puad's resignation, arguing he should remain loyal to the party's decisions.
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Puad is a notable figure in Johor politics, having previously served as Batu Pahat MP and as Johor state assembly speaker (and Rengit assemblyman), underscoring the significance of his departure.
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Puad suggested the move would avoid being expelled and stated 'UMNO no longer needs to go through the trouble of expelling me,' framing the resignation as strategic rather than personal.
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The resignation comes weeks ahead of the Johor state election, and Puad hinted at a bold announcement on nomination day regarding the Barisan Nasional candidate lineup.
Senior UMNO leader Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi resigned from the party on June 25, 2026, claiming Johor UMNO has lost its independence to outside forces. He announced his exit via Facebook, writing he was leaving 'without a heavy heart' and that UMNO 'no longer needs to go through the trouble of expelling me.'
The resignation lands weeks before the July 11 Johor state election, where Barisan Nasional (BN) is contesting all 56 seats alone — without its federal coalition partners. Puad hinted at a 'bold announcement' on Nomination Day, June 27, raising fears he could back rival candidates and split the BN vote.
Puad Accuses Johor MB of Being a Palace 'Yes Man'
At the heart of Puad's grievances is Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, whom he called a 'yes man' to outside forces. Puad alleged that Johor UMNO's decisions — including the timing of the state assembly dissolution on June 1 — were dictated by the Palace, not by the party. He said the MB himself told him that external interference shaped key decisions, according to The Vibes.
By naming the Palace as an 'external influence,' Puad broke a long-standing taboo in Johor politics. He framed his resignation as a 'principled stand,' saying it would free him to criticise UMNO without being accused of betrayal. He also acknowledged 'risks to his safety' following the allegations, signalling how high the stakes are.
UMNO Fires Back: 'He Is Just a Disappointed Father'
UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki pushed back hard. He claimed Puad's real motive was personal — his son was not named as the BN candidate for the Rengit seat, according to Headtopics. Party leaders unveiled the full 56-seat candidate list on the evening of June 24. Puad's son was notably absent from the lineup.
Johor UMNO Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros also hit out at Puad a day earlier, accusing him of 'seasonal loyalty' — meaning his commitment to the party depended on holding a post or favour. He told Puad to stop making 'provocative remarks' and stay loyal to party decisions, according to Headtopics.
A Johor UMNO Fortress Showing Cracks Before Polling Day
Johor is considered an UMNO stronghold. The party won 40 of 56 state seats in the 2022 election — a two-thirds majority. But BN's decision to 'go it alone' this time, without Pakatan Harapan partners, was already a gamble. Puad's exit gives other disgruntled members reason to push back against Onn Hafiz's leadership, according to The Vibes.
Political analyst Dr. Oh Ei Sun noted that Puad's move is a 'calculated risk.' If Puad backs an independent or third-party candidate in Rengit, he could split the BN vote in a seat the party previously held comfortably, according to Headtopics. Puad is 69 and had already said he would not defend his Rengit seat — but his political moves are far from over.
'Bold Announcement' on Nomination Day Looms Over BN Campaign
Puad has refused to say exactly what he plans for Nomination Day on June 27. He pointed to the return of big names — Khairy Jamaluddin, Hishammuddin Hussein, and Noh Omar — as proof that UMNO is strong enough to withstand his departure. He argued their comeback shows the party does not need him, and that he is not leaving out of spite, according to The Vibes.
Whatever Puad announces, the damage to BN's image is already done. His public allegations of Palace interference are now part of the campaign narrative. With 29 seats needed for a majority and polling on July 11, BN faces its first real test of the 'solo run' strategy — with a former ally now watching from the outside.
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