Puad opts out of Johor polls

PETALING JAYA: Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has confirmed that he will not defend the Rengit state seat in the Johor election on July 11, citing age.

In a statement today, Puad said he made the decision a year ago and had informed Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Johor Umno liaison committee chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi two weeks ago.

“I am already 69 years old. In another five years, I will be 74. At this age, I believe it is not appropriate to contest a state seat,” he said, adding that those aged 50 and below should be fielded.

Puad also said he has submitted suggestions on the profile of his successor, who should have academic qualifications, good character, commitment to the party’s struggle, and a clear understanding of the nation’s direction.

“For now, I will complete several remaining duties that require attention before nomination day,” he said.

He thanked his constituents, village chiefs, and the Chinese community for their support during his more than four years in office.

He also expressed gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, for consenting to his appointment as the Johor speaker, and to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail, for his advice and guidance to ensure the smooth running of the state assembly.

The Star reported that Johor Barisan Nasional is expected to field more new faces in the upcoming state election.

Quoting sources, the daily also said Puad was among the leaders tipped to be dropped, along with former menteri besar Hasni Mohammad, who is the Benut assemblyman.

In the 2022 Johor state election, Puad won the Rengit seat in a four-cornered contest with a 1,920-vote majority, defeating Bersatu’s Huzair Lajis, PKR’s Khairuddin Abdul Rahim and Pejuang’s Nizam Bashir Abdul Kariem Bashir.

The seat has traditionally been a BN stronghold.