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UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has called for a mature and respectful campaign ahead of Johor's July 11 state election, emphasising that political competition should not jeopardise the stability of the Federal coalition government.
The son of former Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has publicly defended his father's comments on the party's trajectory, contending they were motivated by concern for Umno's long-term survival and relevance.
An analyst cautions that UMNO's internal strife surrounding Puad Zarkashi's departure may provide opposition parties with ammunition to challenge the party's stability and appeal to core constituencies.
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Umno's secretary-general has alleged that Puad Zarkashi's resignation stems from his son being overlooked for a Johor election nomination, adding a personal dimension to the party official's departure.
Umno's secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has mounted a strong defence against Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi following the latter's departure from the party, trading allegations over resignation circumstances and palace involvement.
UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki attributes Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi's resignation to frustration over his son not being selected as the Rengit state election candidate.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi has announced his immediate departure from the party, expressing concerns that Johor's branch no longer enjoys the autonomy needed to determine its own future.
Political analyst Azmi Hassan recommends that PAS concentrate its efforts on capturing Umno-held seats in Negeri Sembilan, noting that many Barisan Nasional victories in the 2023 state election were achieved by slim margins.
Johor Umno is pressuring the federal government to slash bureaucratic delays and prioritize state development projects, backing calls made by Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for faster implementation.
Johor's State Assembly speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has announced he will not seek re-election in the Rengit constituency during the July 11 state election, prioritising generational renewal in the state leadership.