Dr M shouldn’t meddle in Umno after ‘divorce’, says Annuar Musa

Umno information chief Annuar Musa said that it is inappropriate for ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad to interfere in party affairs by asking members to table no-confidence motions against current president Najib Abdul Razak, since he had left the party.

“Ideally, we ask that Mahathir no longer interfere in Umno matters, especially when has has divorced the party, it is not appropriate for him to interfere in party matters after his exit,” Malay daily Berita Harian quoted Annuar as saying at a party event in Batu Pahat yesterday.

However in the same report, Annuar also reportedly expressed his understanding of the antics of the former PM.

“But I understand Mahathir is throwing a tantrum though his heart is still with the party, so we forgive him,” related the party information chief further.

On a related matter, Annuar reportedly said that the Malay party will follow procedures and take appropriate disciplinary measures against members who were involved in the anti-Najib Citizens’ Declaration, despite urgings from party wings and grassroots for those involved to be sacked.

“It must all follow procedures, everyone is treated the same (according to party guidelines),” he reportedly said.

Yesterday, Mahathir issued an open letter to Umno branch members asking them to file no-confidence motions against Najib as party president and PM, adding that he himself had left the party after losing faith in the leadership but hoped that the members will help him to save the Malay party and Malaysia.

Before that the ex-PM effectively led a Citizens’ Declaration urging the removal of Najib from power by all legal means possible. The declaration was seen as historic as it received support from social activists, the opposition as well as present Umno members.

This recent development is the latest development in Mahathir’s crusade to unseat Najib from Umno and the government after claiming that the PM is responsible for almost all of the things that ail the Malay party and the country.

Previously Mahathir had led a similar campaign that unseated his other chosen successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Umno president and PM. Ironically it was Najib who helped the good doctor then and was handpicked by the party veteran to continue his legacy. -Mkini