Puad said Zahidi, formerly with Umno, was no longer relevant in Perlis politics, after suffering heavy losses as an independent candidate in the 2022 general election, even losing his deposits.

Zahidi, a former deputy minister, sought to defend his Padang Besar parliamentary seat and also vied for the Titi Tinggi state seat, but was soundly defeated in both contests.

“He has no influence (in Perlis). (He joined PKR because) he’s just looking for a new shelter, not because he wants to fight to defend the rakyat,” Puad told FMT.

Earlier today, Zahidi confirmed that he had joined PKR, saying his admission into the party was endorsed by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim. He said his aim was to boost Malay support for PKR in Perlis, and to increase its number of branches in the state from 60 to 400.

Puad ridiculed Zahidi’s ambitions, saying his hopes of expanding PKR’s influence in Perlis was a pipe dream when he himself lacked support in his home state. “It’s just empty talk and daydreaming from Zahidi,” said Puad.

He suggested that Zahidi, a former two-term Padang Besar MP, consider contributing to society through NGOs instead if he wanted to wield some influence in Perlis.

In the 2022 general election, Zahidi was dropped by Barisan Nasional as a candidate for the Padang Besar parliamentary seat. His decision to contest as an independent candidate led to his sacking from Umno.

Separately, Zahidi said a return to Umno was not a possibility as he did not want to cause division within the party.

The former Padang Besar Umno chief said his return could force the division’s current head and deputy to come under pressure to relinquish their posts for him.

“It’s better for me to be with PKR as many have persuaded and welcomed me to the party,” Harian Metro quoted him as saying.