Annuar: Best chance for Azeez to clear his name

The arrest and possible charging of Umno supreme council member Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim is the best chance for him to clear his name, if he's not guilty.

In saying this, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa added that it is hoped that due justice will be given to cases involving Umno leaders.

"There is a perception that Umno leaders are being hunted down (by the authorities), but if we have done nothing wrong, there is nothing to worry about.

"We hope everyone will be given due justice, and for friends in Umno, this could be the chance to clear your names," Annuar told a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) today.

Azeez, who is also Baling MP and former Tabung Haji chairperson, was remanded by the MACC for four days starting today, in connection with a corruption case involving the pilgrimage fund.

Also remanded were his elder brother and a cousin.

Meanwhile, Annuar said he hoped that the authorities will investigate Azeez, according to provisions in the law.

"We hope the government will not practice selective prosecution and will follow the rule of law.

"Umno, as a political party, cannot intervene in investigations against individuals," he stressed.

Asked to elaborate on the statement by Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who disagreed with BN's boycotting of the Port Dickson by-election, Annuar said it was the personal opinion of the latter.

"That is his personal opinion. Before he (Hishammuddin) made the statement, we met four times with the Umno leadership and (BN) component parties, to hear everyone's take on the matter.

"After discussions, it was decided that BN will not participate (in the election), because it is not in line with our principals, as we think the by-election is a waste". - Mkini