[UPDATED] Umno assembly best outlet for Zahid to explain purported PKR cooperation: Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR – The Umno general assembly this weekend will be the best platform for president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to explain all rumours and speculation on cooperation between the party and PKR, said Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

The former Barisan Nasional secretary-general said Zahid will have the best opportunity to do so when delivering his policy speech at the gathering.

“There have been speculation, questions and contradicting news reports (on the purported cooperation).

“Some say (Zahid) has discussed it with PKR, some say there was a letter with signatures supporting (PKR president Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim.

“Anwar was also reported as saying there were discussions, but not cooperation. PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said they were just normal meetings.”

Annuar, who is also Federal Territories minister, was speaking to reporters after the handover of house keys to owners of Residensi Razakmas2 apartments here today.

The event was graced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Umno assembly, which has been postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held both in-person and online.

On the postponed implementation of the lowered voting age to 18 and automatic voter registration to after September 1 next year, Annuar said the Election Commission should be given room to settle the relevant issues.

“Completing the electoral roll is not a simple thing. I was made to understand that when we wanted to implement automatic voter registration, there were questions on whether the EC would set polling centres according to the address on people’s MyKad, and whether they would be given options on where to vote.

“So, the EC will need time to resolve these issues.”

Nevertheless, he said, the commission should expedite the process, as there are high hopes for the initiatives to be implemented in the 15th general election. – Bernama, March 26, 2021