KUALA LUMPUR – Recently sacked Umno veteran Tan Sri Annuar Musa suggested that he was not told the reasons for his ejection from the Barisan Nasional (BN) linchpin.
In a Facebook post, the former Ketereh MP confirmed that he had received a letter from Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan notifying him of his removal from the membership roll.
“The letter only mentioned sections (from the Umno constitution) without referring to any (of my) specific actions or any related allegations,” said Annuar, who previously served as Umno and BN secretary-general.
“Regardless, I accept (the party’s decision) with an open heart. God willing, I will answer the letter in a day or two.”
Annuar, who had first joined Umno in 1979, also attached photos of the party’s constitution in his post.
One of the images shows Clause 20 on discipline – specifically 20.9, which highlights rules which Umno members must follow, to show their “love” for the party.
The clause cited in Annuar’s expulsion letter states that Umno members must protect party secrets and safeguard its “good name and dignity” while adhering to and respecting party decisions as well as complying with the party’s constitution and members’ code of ethics.
He also posted images showing clauses that gave the Umno Supreme Council authority to “determine the registration status of a member, suspend or terminate their membership”, with these decisions being final.
Another image shared by Annuar showed Article 7 of the Umno members’ code of ethics, whereby party members are banned from issuing statements or spreading media reports regarding party policies which could “damage the party image or affect the primacy of its decision.”
Last Friday, Ahmad confirmed that Annuar and two Wanita Umno division leaders were removed from the party.
The decision was made the night before at a party Supreme Council meeting, after which council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will be taking a stricter approach against members who tarnish the party’s image.
Annuar subsequently took to Facebook to upload a post expounding what appears to be a veiled metaphor for his removal, describing a dream he claimed to have had about his “house being on fire”.
In the run-up to his expulsion, he had criticised Zahid for BN’s dismal performance in the 15th general election as well as for going against Umno’s earlier decision not to work with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Harapan. BN is now part of the PH-led unity government. – The Vibes, December 13, 2022
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