PUTRAJAYA – Ketereh MP Tan Sri Annuar Musa has accepted his removal as secretary-general of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Muafakat Nasional (MN), despite admitting his differences with Umno's leadership over the party's direction.
“I never received official notification from the party over my removal from the positions.
“All I received directly was a WhatsApp message from (Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan) informing me of the matter,” he told a press conference at the Federal Territories Ministry here today.
“For me, I accept the decision by Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. I told him so via a WhatsApp message at 1.51pm.
“I realise that the post as BN secretary-general can only be executed properly if there is trust and confidence between the chairman (Zahid) and secretary-general.
“Although the atmosphere was such before this, of late, it had changed following several issues, events and policy decisions that demanded me to defend my political principles firmly and frankly.”
Annuar also outlined seven reasons why he now has to fiercely defend his principles and political stand.
They are:
- “Black and white” support for opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to topple the Perikatan Nasional government that BN is part of;
- Attempts and negotiations involving DAP in what is known as the formation of a new political alignment (Pembentukan Jajaran Baru Politik);
- Repeated attempts to destabilise the PN government degraded the Umno-Bersatu-PAS relationship, which was formed to unite the Malays and defend Islam;
- Flip-flop leadership, especially from the BN chairman, on Muafakat Nasional policies;
- Repeated calls to dissolve Parliament and hold a general election amid a pandemic and heavy economic pressure;
- Leadership failure to create harmony and order in the party, where open fighting has eroded the people's confidence in the party; and,
- Party decisions, such as "NO DAP", "NO ANWAR", "en bloc" support for the PN government and others have been disrespected.
Annuar, who is also Federal Territories minister, said his removal from the BN post was not done in accordance with the coalition’s charter, which should have been through a meeting.
“The sacking and appointment (as BN secretary-general) cannot be decided by Umno's president at a party division meeting. It needs to be done by the BN chairman during a BN meeting with other members of the coalition.”
Annuar also trained his guns on Zahid, accusing the Umno president of advancing his personal interest using the Malay nationalist party.
“The Budget was just passed. It should be allowed to roll out so that the people may reap the benefits.”
He said the difference in stance prompted him to distance himself from moves that are not in line with the party's Supreme Council's earlier official decision.
On whether he will accept the decision by the Umno Supreme Council should they decide to sever ties with Bersatu, Annuar said he will leave the decision to the wisdom of its members.
Despite criticism, Annuar pledged to continue contributing to the party and forging Malay-Muslim unity.
He also called on Umno members to close ranks and uphold the party's policies and principles, while urging BN, PN, MN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah to ensure unity.
“To PAS leaders, I hope you will continue to be magnanimous and not give up on Muafakat.
“To Bersatu leaders, please understand the sensitivities of the Umno grassroots and take steps to strengthen Malay unity."
Umno’s infighting over support for the present Bersatu-helmed federal administration took an ugly turn yesterday when Annuar was ousted as secretary-general for BN and MN.
The decision to replace Annuar came after several Umno leaders and warlords demanded he leave the party and join Bersatu over his adamant defence of the PN administration.
Among other things voiced by the party grassroots was that Annuar has steadfastly defended Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s position as prime minister, and maintained that Umno should continue cooperating with Bersatu despite dissatisfaction from within.
Tonight’s Umno Supreme Council meeting will be crucial in evaluating whether the party will continue working with Bersatu or remain within the PN sphere. – The Vibes, January 6, 2021
