Onn Hafiz Denies Palace Interference Claim, Police Report To Be Filed Against Puad

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Onn Hafiz Denies Palace Interference Claim, Police Report To Be Filed Against Puad


Johor Umno chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi says Puad Zarkashi distorted a constitutional process involving the dissolution of the state assembly and unfairly dragged the palace into politics

by Ikhwan Zulkaflee
June 25, 2026

In Brief

• Onn Hafiz denied claims that the Johor palace directed the dissolution of the state assembly, calling it a standard constitutional process.
• Johor Umno will lodge a police report against Mohd Puad over allegations that could touch on sensitive royalty-related issues.

Johor Umno chief Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has denied allegations that the party is being controlled by the palace and announced that a police report will be lodged against former Johor Speaker Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi over the claim.


In an immediate statement following Mohd Puad’s allegation, Onn Hafiz firmly rejected the claim that he had informed the former Umno leader that the Johor palace had “directed” the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.

“I categorically deny Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi’s claim that I informed him that the palace had instructed the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly,” he said.


Onn Hafiz explained that what he had conveyed was that the dissolution was carried out only after obtaining the consent of Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, in accordance with Article 23 of Part Two of the Laws of the Constitution of Johor 1895.

He stressed that a menteri besar cannot dissolve the state assembly at will, as the process must follow constitutional provisions and only takes effect after royal consent has been granted.

“I sought an audience and presented the matter. After receiving consent, I publicly announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly. Receiving royal consent is a constitutional process and does not in any way constitute receiving instructions or political interference,” he said.

The caretaker Johor Menteri Besar accused Puad of distorting a legitimate constitutional process to create the perception that the Johor royal institution was interfering in Umno Johor’s political affairs and decision-making.

While acknowledging Mohd Puad’s right to leave Umno and disagree with the party leadership, Onn Hafiz said such allegations were serious and could touch on sensitive 3R issues involving royalty, religion and race.

Onn Hafiz warned that the remarks could potentially affect public harmony and order.

“As such, Johor Umno will lodge a police report to enable the authorities to conduct investigations and take appropriate action.”

Onn Hafiz also called on all parties to respect the royal institution, uphold the Constitution and the Laws of the Constitution of Johor, and refrain from dragging the palace into political disputes.

The statement came just hours after Mohd Puad, who is also the former Rengit assemblyman, announced his resignation from Umno, claiming that Johor Umno was no longer independent and alleging that key decisions within the state chapter were being influenced by the palace.

READ MORE: Puad Zarkashi Quits Umno, Claims Johor Party Is Under Palace Influence