UMNO Supreme Council member Annuar Musa denied claims that the party was sidelined and bullied by its Perikatan Nasional ally Bersatu.

In an interview with Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan yesterday, the Ketereh MP said there was no evidence to suggest Bersatu was doing either.

“That is all a perception. Why do we feel that Umno (is entitled) to be treated in a particular manner? Accept the fact that we (Barisan Nasional) lost (the election),” said Annuar, who was handpicked by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to be the federal territories minister.

“How should we be treated?”

The PN government comprises Bersatu, Umno, PAS, MCA, MIC and some parties in Sabah and Sarawak.

Previously the Umno leadership has criticised Muhyiddin for not giving important ministerial positions, including that of the deputy prime minister, to senior party leaders,.
 
To this, Annuar said half the cabinet was filled by Barisan Nasional, in which Umno plays a leading role.

“The DPM’s post is the PM’s prerogative. Why are we complaining now? Why didn’t we disagree when the posts were given to us? Half the cabinet posts went to BN.

“It is not true that Umno is ill-treated; that is just a made-up story,” said Annuar.

In the interview, Annuar slammed the Umno leaders who chose to side with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim in his attempt to overthrow the PN government.

“Our stand is clear, no Anwar Ibrahim and no DAP.

“Those who wish to support Anwar are going against the party decision. In a meeting in Janda Baik, we made it clear that we will stick with PAS and Perikatan Nasional and not with Anwar Ibrahim and DAP.”

Although he did not name anyone, it is clear the message was intended for ex-prime minister Najib Razak who had openly asked the party to consider accepting Anwar as prime minister.

Najib had however rejected working with DAP.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had also indicated readiness to work with Anwar to form a new government.

Annuar is largely seen as being pro-Muhyiddin. – November 20, 2020.