Johor bahru: Barisan Nasional (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 chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. The UMNO president emphasized that while leaving the party is an individual's right, BN values the unwavering support from both new and long-standing members for the Johor BN leadership under Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of supporting all 56 Barisan Nasional candidates contesting in the upcoming Johor state election. He conveyed this message to reporters after inaugurating the 25th International Open Karate Championship 2026.

When questioned about potential actions against allegedly defamatory remarks by former UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who recently resigned from the party, Ahmad Zahid indicated that there was no need for any measures. He acknowledged Mohd Puad's past contributions to UMNO and wished him well in his future endeavors, stating, "He has already left, so there is no need for any specific action. He has chosen not to remain with UMNO."

Mohd Puad announced his immediate resignation from UMNO through a Facebook statement, citing his desire to express his views freely. Additionally, Layang-Layang assemblyman Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim also resigned from UMNO and joined Bersatu, a component of Perikatan Nasional. The Election Commission has set June 27 as the nomination day for the Johor state election, with polling scheduled for July 11.