BN respects the stance of any leader in making their own decisions, including those who choose to leave the party ahead of the Johor state election on July 11, its chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

The Umno president said the decision was the individual's right, but the party greatly appreciated the support shown by both new and long-serving members for the Johor BN leadership under Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

"What is important is that we give our full support to all 56 BN candidates contesting in the Johor state election," he told reporters after opening the 25th International Open Karate Championship 2026 in Kuala Lumpur today.

Asked whether any action would be taken over allegedly defamatory remarks made by former Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi, who announced his resignation from the party yesterday, Zahid said there was no need for any action.

"He has already left, so there is no need for any specific action. He has chosen not to remain with Umno.

"We appreciate all that he has contributed to Umno over the years, and I wish Puad all the best," said Zahid, who is deputy prime minister.

In a statement posted on Facebook yesterday, Puad announced that he was leaving Umno with immediate effect, saying the decision was made voluntarily and would allow him to express his views freely.

Besides Puad, incumbent Layang-Layang assemblyperson Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim also announced his resignation from Umno with effect from yesterday and joined Bersatu, which is part of Perikatan Nasional.

The Election Commission has set June 27 as nomination day for the Johor state election, while polling will be held on July 11.

- Bernama

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