The battle for Batu Pahat became a focal point when one of Umno's staunchest defenders Puad Zarkashi was unexpectedly dropped as a candidate, prompting veiled threats that he would contest as an independent.
Batu Pahat

However, this anticipated showdown fizzled out as Puad didn't turn up on nomination day.

Nevertheless, eyebrows were raised when the Batu Pahat Umno chief said his decision to pull out was on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's advice...