Former UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has clarified that his appearance at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) programme in Felda Ulu Tebrau, Johor, on Saturday night was made in his capacity as a supporter of the Unity Government.
The former Rengit assemblyman said he has long supported the formation of a government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, adding that his stance remains unchanged despite no longer being with UMNO.
Mohd Puad said he is no longer bound to any political party after leaving UMNO, allowing him to express personal support based on individual judgment and principles.
“Yes, last night I went on stage at the PH programme in Felda Ulu Tebrau to support the PH candidate from PKR, Dr Maszlee Malik. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the main speaker at the campaign event,” he said in a social media post.
He also commented on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), expressing confidence that the initiative would bring significant foreign investment growth to Johor.
At the same time, Mohd Puad said his appearance on the PH stage had drawn criticism from certain quarters, but he considered it a normal part of politics.
Earlier reports noted that his presence at the PH Youth Open Dialogue programme attracted attention after he was warmly greeted by the Prime Minister, with both leaders shaking hands and later embracing upon Anwar’s arrival.
For the record, Mohd Puad announced his departure from UMNO on June 25, effectively ending his long-standing membership in the party.
