Puad Zarkashi exits Umno ahead of Johor state election (opens original article in a new tab)

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi left the party on June 25, 2026, stating his decision was voluntary to express differing views freely.

• Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi announced his departure from the party on June 25, 2026.
• Puad stated his decision was voluntary and aimed to allow free expression of differing views without accusations of disloyalty.
• He previously hinted at irregularities in Barisan Nasional candidate selections for the Johor state election and declined to contest the Rengit state seat in the upcoming election.