ANNUAR Musa today said he is having a tough time keeping MPs and assemblymen in Umno as many are being courted by outsiders.

The Umno secretary-general said he has been told about members being offered to join another party.

“Our MPs are often proposed. I continuously receive information about people approaching our MPs and assemblymen, and some of them (Umno members) have already made up their minds to cross over.

“I’m having a tough time as secretary-general keeping everybody together,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Annuar’s remarks follow Guar Chempedak rep Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail’s announcement that he is quitting Umno to become an independent in the Kedah Legislative Assembly.

Ku Rahman’s decision leaves the party with only two assemblymen in the 36-seat state assembly.

Annuar said he respects such decisions, adding that Barisan Nasional does not bind members to any agreement.

He said Umno often holds discussions among MPs and reps to sort out matters they are unhappy with.

He added that the issue of members jumping ship hinges on the individual’s principles.

“There are those who feel that if they don’t get allocation as an opposition (elected representative), it would be difficult for them to carry out their responsibilities.

“So, they use the excuse that it (leaving the party) is for the benefit of their constituents.” – November 12, 2018.