Not contesting as independent shows Mohd Puad is wise: Hishammuddin

KLUANG: The decision by Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi not to contest as an independent candidate upon the advice of Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar is sensible and wise, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
The Umno vice-president said the move by Mohd Puad, who is also Batu Pahat Umno division head, showed that he upheld the "Muafakat Johor" concept as a priority, placing the party's struggles above his personal interests.
"I have known Puad for a long time. I feel that Tuanku (Sultan Ibrahim) gave the instruction and advice after considering the state.
"He does not want to see our leaders make decisions out of anger, emotions or the current situation, which in the end will jeopardise their own credibility," he told reporters after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for a futsal field in Kampung India, Paloh here today.
Hishammuddin, who is also caretaker Defence Minister as well as caretaker Minister with Special Functions, said he was initially worried that Mohd Puad, who was formerly the director-general of the Department of Special Affairs (Jasa), had made a decision which was against the party.
"I was initially worried that Puad had made a decision which was contrary to our ways in Johor. But in the end, he made a decision which I applaud," he said.
Yesterday, in his Facebook posting, Mohd Puad said as a Johorean, upon the advice of the Sultan of Johor, he had made a decision not to contest as an independent candidate.
He said as a Johor citizen who is loyal to the ruler, he obeyed Sultan Ibrahim's instruction as he was convinced the Sultan had given the advice with the interests of the Bangsa Johor at heart.
Mohd Puad had previously said he would contest as an independent candidate after he was disappointed that he was not nominated in the 14th general election (GE14) and replaced by Haliza Abdullah, the Batu Pahat Wanita Umno chief.
However, up till the end of the nomination period yesterday, Mohd Puad was not seen at the nomination centre in Batu Pahat.
In his Facebook posting, Mohd Puad who resigned from his post as Jasa director-general on April 24, said he was attending a reception ceremony for his daughter held at her in-laws' house in Bandar Baru Uda, Johor Baru yesterday. — Bernama