UMNO Supreme Council member Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi will remain in the party for now, reported Bernama.

He has set aside speculation that he would leave, following reports that he had broken ranks with Umno after he was not named as a 14th general election candidate.

He had threatened to contest in Batu Pahat as an independent, but chose not to upon receiving advice from Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

“I do not oppose Umno’s struggles, but am dissatisfied with the system that has been manipulated by irresponsible parties.

“For now, I will remain as Batu Pahat Umno division head and Supreme Council member.”

Asked whether it would be uncomfortable to discuss matters with state Barisan Nasional chairman Mohamed Khaled Nordin after he had criticised the latter, Puad said holding such talks is not a problem.

“I am critical even in the Supreme Council, so it won’t be a problem for me to speak up in the state Umno liaison meetings.” – April 29, 2018.