Umno must end culture of political patronage, says Puad

Former Umno leader Puad Zarkashi has called on his former political party to abandon the practice of political patronage, stating it damages the party's image. In a Facebook post, Puad expressed concern over the issues affecting Felda, which is reported to have suffered losses exceeding RM10 billion due to mismanagement and political interference, particularly in asset acquisitions such as hotels and plantations.

Puad highlighted that the mismanagement is linked to the time when Umno's former vice-president, Isa Samad, presided over the agency from 2011 to 2017.

He urged investigations into the matter, whether through forensic audits or royal commissions, to not solely focus on financial documents, sources of leaks, abuse of power, and white-collar crimes. Instead, these probes should lead to charges against those responsible, including special officers who took advantage of Felda. Puad also directed his criticism towards Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, urging him not to evade responsibility if the party is implicated in Felda's mismanagement.

Puad emphasized the need for a reform of the system, especially the outdated practice of political rewards that tarnish the party's reputation. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged Felda's losses of nearly RM10 billion due to mismanagement and excessive political interference, prompting Zahid to request a forensic audit. Anwar subsequently suggested that this proposal would be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration.