Ahmad Maslan has alleged that former UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi’s recent claims against UMNO Johor were driven by dissatisfaction after his request to have his son nominated as a Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Rengit state seat was not accepted.
In a Facebook posting on Thursday, the Johor UMNO deputy chief said Puad’s remarks and subsequent resignation from the party appeared difficult to understand from a rational standpoint, suggesting personal disappointment may have influenced his decision.
Ahmad claimed he was informed by several individuals familiar with the matter that Puad had hoped his son, aged 29, would be selected to replace him as the BN candidate in the Rengit constituency in Batu Pahat. He said the request was ultimately not fulfilled by the party leadership.
He further clarified that the individual in question had only been appointed as an UMNO Youth committee member in the Batu Pahat division last year and was not selected through a competitive party election process.
Ahmad stressed that while young leaders should be given opportunities within the party, such chances are not automatically granted based on family ties. He added that political selection processes must remain based on merit and party structure.
Describing politics as a marathon rather than a short sprint, Ahmad urged patience in leadership development, noting that long-term commitment and performance were essential before consideration for candidacy at higher levels.
He also expressed hope that Puad’s son would continue strengthening his position within UMNO and potentially contest higher party roles in the future before being considered for electoral candidacy.
In his posting, Ahmad further claimed that Puad’s actions ahead of elections were not unprecedented, suggesting a pattern of controversial statements during politically sensitive periods.
“Many know this is not the first time such actions have occurred before elections,” he said, while also calling for restraint and proper conduct among Johor political actors.
He concluded by apologising for revealing the matter publicly, stating it was necessary for clarity so that the public could better understand the situation.
Earlier, Puad Zarkashi announced his immediate resignation from UMNO, ending his long-standing membership, citing dissatisfaction over internal decision-making within UMNO Johor.
