Annuar deliberately portaying himself as victim - Khaled

 

Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin has slammed Ketereh MP Annuar Musa for portraying himself as a victim by alleging he was sacked as BN secretary-general after pushing for the unity of all Malay parties.

"I refer to his statement that he would not succumb to the belief that Umno should work with all Malay-based parties, even if he was sacked from Umno.

"This is because Annuar believes when all Malay-based parties work together, Umno will become stronger," he said.

In a statement today, Khaled (above) said Annuar was deliberately playing up the "victim" sentiment and this could lead to misunderstandings.

Sinar Harian quoted Annuar as saying that Umno would be stronger if the party worked with all Malay-based parties. He also emphasised that he would not relent in his effort on pushing for the unity of all Malay parties even if he was sacked.

Khaled said: "It is unhealthy for him to continue criticising the party openly as he does now. It does not do any good for the party. This will systematically weaken the loyalty for the party, and it will confuse the party.

"We had decided to return and strengthen BN. At the same time, we are solidifying the political strength of the Malays together with PAS in Muafakat Nasional."

Annuar Musa

Khaled said Umno decided not to work with Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Pakatan Harapan as the people have no confidence in these two coalitions.

"The decline in PN's popularity and the doubts in the leadership's ability to govern have made the Umno-PN cooperation no longer strategic.

"Furthermore, there is the absence of radical efforts in securing the support of the non-Malays. As such, what is the motive and reason to demand Umno act in such manner," he said.

While noting that Umno pushes for the political unity of the Malays, Khaled also reminded Annuar that the party was also aware of the importance of the non-Malay support.

"On this basis, Umno is confident that BN is a more appropriate and inclusive platform, and it is a middle ground for everyone. It's not Harapan nor PN.

"What Umno needs is for everyone to stay together in its struggle. It should not allow the party to be attacked or even defend its opponents or those disparaging it.

"The party is bigger than the struggle and belief of an individual," he said. - Mkini