Don’t teach me about loyalty, Puad tells Youth leader

PETALING JAYA: Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has defended his loyalty to the party after being told by Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros to be a disciplined party member and avoid making provocative remarks.

Puad said he did not need to be taught about the meaning of loyalty, as he had stood by the party during its most difficult periods.

“Perhaps he has forgotten that I was without a post twice … first after losing in GE13 and again when Barisan Nasional lost power in GE14.

“At that time, I still defended the party even though I was sued for RM10 million by Muhyiddin Yassin. He was the eighth prime minister then,” he said in a Facebook post.

Puad said he had also independently used his podcast platform “Jangan Berlapik” to defend Umno without any funding from the party.

The former Rengit assemblyman said loyalty to the party did not mean remaining silent when issues could harm its struggle.

“I am loyal to the party’s struggle, not individuals. But when leaders become puppets, then I have the right to speak up to save the party. Blind silence will destroy the party,” he said.

He also criticised Noor Azleen, who had earlier urged him to set a good example for younger members on the meaning of loyalty.

“You are a young leader giving the wrong example to young people about loyalty,” he said.

Noor Azleen had earlier told Puad to remain loyal to the party and abide by its decisions after Puad expressed reservations about BN’s candidates for the coming state election.