KUALA LUMPUR – The Umno disciplinary board will decide whether punitive action will be taken against one of its MPs – a minister, who, of late, has been critical of the party.
President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the matter will be deliberated before it is decided and formalised by the Supreme Council, the party’s highest body.
While he did not mention any name, it is believed to be a reference to Ketereh MP and Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who has been critical of Umno and its decision to cease cooperation with Bersatu ahead of the 15th general election (GE15).
“The decision (on disciplinary action) is not one made by the party president, but by the disciplinary board,” he said at a press conference after the wrapping-up of the 75th Umno general assembly today.
“The board and its management committee will deliberate on the matter, which will then be presented to the Supreme Council.”
He was responding to questions as to why Umno has yet to take any disciplinary action against the said minister.
Earlier in his winding-up speech, Zahid took a dig at Umno members who are purportedly relishing the positions given to them under the Perikatan Nasional government.
He singled out one minister, who was not present on stage today, and who he claimed has been “stabbing” Umno in the back.
“If he is anak jantan (a real man), he should resign as minister.”
Annuar was removed as Barisan Nasional secretary-general in January following his criticisms of Zahid and Umno, although the party has never admitted this to being the reason behind the decision to replace him.
Last night, Umno suspended Annuar’s press secretary, Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, from the party for six years for criticising Zahid, with many seeing the move as an offence to the Ketereh MP.
Annuar, meanwhile, told the press that Zahid should at least explain the party’s decision to contest solo in GE15.
On a separate matter, Zahid said Umno will respect its Sabah chapter’s decision to maintain ties with Sabah Bersatu, after Sabah party chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said he will see to it that both parties continue to have good working relations in the state.
He explained that the political situation in the Borneo state is unique compared with that of the peninsula, especially as it is part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government.
“What was mentioned by Bung Moktar as the head of Sabah Umno is the stand of the party’s chapter there, and we will respect it.” – The Vibes, March 28, 2021
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