JOHOR BARU: Hours before Barisan Nasional unveiled its candidates list for the Johor state election, Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi expressed his concerns about the party’s line-up.
In a Facebook post, the former Rengit assemblyman, who is not defending his seat, said he would make an “important announcement” on Saturday (June 27) after expressing dissatisfaction with Barisan’s list of candidates for the Johor state election.
“Today, Johor Barisan will announce the list of candidates contesting in the Johor state election. Looking at the list, some things are not right for Johor Umno.
“Therefore, I will make an important announcement on June 27. The latest developments in Johor Umno are worrying. I will not turn back even though I am only a small person,” he said in the post here on Wednesday (June 24).
He added he had announced six days ago that he would not defend the seat due to age factors, adding that younger, trained and educated leaders should be given opportunities.
However, Mohd Puad claimed that this view had not been heeded and described his decision to continue speaking out as an act of “political courage”.
Meanwhile, Johor Umno Youth chief Azleen Ambros issued a message calling on party members to remain steadfast in their loyalty and obedience to the party regardless of their personal circumstances.
“Be a party man. Our loyalty and obedience should not depend on the situation or circumstances. When the party entrusts us with positions, we are loyal and obedient to the party.
“But when the party no longer elevates us, we should not deny that loyalty and obedience,” he said in a Facebook post referring to Mohd Puad’s statement.
Azleen said members who no longer held positions should repay the trust and opportunities previously given by the party in a positive manner, rather than through threats or incitement.
“The party belongs to all of us. Show the younger generation at the party the true meaning of loyalty and obedience,” he added.
Barisan president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to announce the candidate list for the coalition at around 2.30pm at Johor Umno office here.
