In a statement, the Kelantan Umno chief said he handed in his resignation letter to Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali at 4pm today.

The resignation takes effect on Wednesday.

“I want to express my thanks to the minister for the trust that has been given to me throughout my time as MPOB chairman. I also appreciate the cooperation given by the board members, management and MPOB staff throughout my time in service,” said Ahmad, who was appointed to the position on April 9.

Earlier today, Ahmad was quoted by Astro Awani as saying he would resign as MPOB chairman if the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government does not dissolve Parliament by the end of January. However, he resigned within hours, well before the deadline he had set.

Ahmad, who is also Kelantan Umno chief, said his resignation was to show his unwillingness to work with PN if it does not request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament.

“I have my dignity and my principles. If I retract my support (for the PN government), I will also resign because I don’t prioritise positions, I prioritise my dignity,” he said.

His comments came as ties between Umno and PPBM reached breaking point, with leaders from the former openly training their guns on PN over the weekend. Several prominent Umno leaders called on their party to withdraw its support for the government.

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