How did Asyraf Wajdi respond to Puad’s alleged external interference claims?

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Asyraf Wajdi Dismissed Puad Zarkashi's Interference Claims as Slanderous

Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has asserted that Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi's claims of external interference were "slanderous." Asyraf stated that Puad's resignation was instead driven by a disagreement over candidate selection for the Rengit state seat, specifically regarding Puad's alleged pressure for his son to be fielded as a candidate.
Disagreement Over Rengit Candidate Selection

Asyraf Wajdi claimed that Puad Zarkashi had previously submitted a lengthy written request to the party, threatening to leave and attack Umno if his son was not considered for candidacy in the Rengit state constituency. Asyraf maintained that while Puad's son might possess potential as a young leader, the party must consider a multitude of factors when selecting candidates for any election, and that making a son's candidacy a condition for remaining in the party was improper.
Umno Not a Party of Hereditary Succession

The Umno secretary-general emphasised that the party does not operate on a basis of hereditary succession, where family members are automatically prioritised for leadership roles. He stated that Umno's broader struggle for the "race, religion, and homeland" transcends personal interests, familial demands, or individual disappointments.
Past Threats of Resignation Alleged

Asyraf further alleged that this was not the first occasion Puad Zarkashi had threatened to leave the party due to personal grievances. He recalled a previous instance during Datuk Seri Najib Razak's tenure as party president where Puad reportedly made similar threats when he was not re-nominated as the Member of Parliament for Batu Pahat.
Disappointment Over Resignation Timing

Asyraf expressed disappointment with the timing of Puad's resignation, which occurred shortly before the Johor state election. He noted that Umno had provided Puad with numerous opportunities and positions throughout his political career, likening the situation to the Malay proverb "air susu dibalas air tuba," which implies returning kindness with hostility.

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How did Asyraf Wajdi respond to Puad’s alleged external interference claims?

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