Stay loyal, Johor Umno Youth tells Puad

PETALING JAYA: Johor Umno Youth today said that Puad Zarkashi should remain loyal to the party and abide by its decisions, after the Supreme Council member expressed reservations about Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidates for the state polls.

Its chief Noor Azleen Ambros said loyalty to the party should not be seasonal or contingent on posts.

“We should not be threatening or provoking the party when we don’t have any posts (in Johor Umno). We should remain loyal,” he told FMT.

Earlier today, Puad hinted at a big announcement on nomination day for the Johor state election.

In a Facebook post, he said Johor BN would soon announce its list of candidates for the state polls. However, he said “there are things not right within the party’s state chapter”.

“Therefore, I will make an important announcement on June 27,” he said.

Last week, Puad said he would not defend the Rengit state seat in the election on July 11, citing his age. The 69-year-old said that those aged 50 and below should be fielded instead.

In his post today, he said he had stressed that trained and educated young people should be given the opportunity to represent the party, but this was not heeded.

Azleen said Puad should set a good example in loyalty for the younger generation in Umno.

“This party belongs to all,” he added.

Meanwhile, deputy Johor Umno chief Ahmad Maslan said members should ignore Puad’s statement.

BN is expected to announce its candidates for the Johor polls later today.

Early voting for the Johor election falls on July 7, and polling on July 11.