FORMER Batu Pahat MP Puad Zarkashi hit out at his Umno colleague Annuar Musa for making up excuses after the latter was once again caught flouting movement-control order (MCO) regulations.

Annuar was pictured yesterday sharing a meal with six others at a table when Putrajaya in its latest standard operating procedure (SOP) clearly stated that only two people were allowed at a table at restaurants where dine-in was allowed.

The Federal Territories Minister apologised after the photograph had gone viral but Puad took to Facebook today to chide Annuar for adopting the “culture of giving excuses”.

“The culture of not wanting to admit any wrongdoing is the culture of giving excuses. There will always be an excuse for not wanting to admit guilt.

“Annuar is accused of violating the MCO for eating at the same table with six others when the SOP allows two people.

“He gave an excuse that he was sitting momentarily before leaving the event. If you know the organiser was not following the SOP, then why did you sit there? Where is the logic?” asked the former Special Affairs Department chief.

Annuar, who is Ketereh MP, had attended an urban farming programme on Friday.

In his defence, Annuar said on Facebook that he was just there for a short period of time.

“When I was at the event, I sat down for a moment and moved because the organiser did not follow SOP.

“It is not that I don’t appreciate the host but they didn’t follow the SOP. I apologise and hope no one is offended,” the minister had said.

Puad went on to give another example of how Annuar allegedly breached SOP when he was photographed walking with two other people without wearing a mask.

“Before this he breached the SOP by jogging with more than two people. He gave another illogical excuse saying that they came from different directions but coincidentally met each other.

“The question is why continue to walk together? They were all holding a cane but not wearing masks, always an excuse.

“Do not contribute to PN’s already tarnished image,’’ said Puad. – February 14, 2021.