Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi quits UMNO

Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Haji Mohd Puad bin ZarkashiSpeaker Dewan Negeri Johor

Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has officially quit UMNO with immediate effect, marking a major political development in Johor.

According to reports, he announced his resignation from the party while claiming that UMNO Johor is no longer fully independent in its decision-making and is being “controlled,” which he described as the main reason for leaving.

Puad, who is also Johor State Legislative Assembly Speaker and UMNO Supreme Council member, said he is now free to voice criticism against the party without being seen as betraying it, adding that he still respects UMNO’s original struggle but disagrees with its current direction.

The announcement comes amid ongoing political tensions within UMNO Johor and follows several recent statements by Puad suggesting internal party conflicts.