Party polls the best way for Umno to move forward, says Annuar Musa

Former Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa today said holding a party election would be the best way to chart its course ahead of the 15th general election (GE15).

“This is because the leadership must receive the grassroots’ mandate before any election,” he said on a talk show today.

“As for now, the president has come up with an idea to go solo in GE15. The best way is for not just the state liaison chairman to decide, but also the members.

“If the grassroots support his suggestion, maybe he will receive a new mandate. If they don’t, there will be a new leadership.

“Anyhow, the election would solve all rumours,” he added, in response to a member of the audience who asked if there was a need for an urgent motion to hold an election.

Annuar, who is the Ketereh MP, said according to the party’s constitution, the Umno election must be held before June this year.

“Any suggestion to postpone the election must come from the Supreme Council and be approved by the Registrar of Societies.

“For me, there is no excuse not to hold the election,” he added.

When asked to comment on Zahid’s speech, he said it had focused only on dissatisfaction with Bersatu.

“It was different from the speeches of previous presidents,” he said. “During Dr Mahathir’s time, he painted a bigger picture with the global scenario before pointing to how Umno could position itself to handle the issues at hand.”

He also said Zahid had sung a different tune in denying talks with PKR and DAP.

“Don’t deny there are attempt to negotiate with PKR and DAP. But it is now official. No DAP, No PKR. Now there is an addition to that: No Bersatu.

“But whether ‘No PAS’ or ‘Yes PAS’, it is still unclear,” he added.

Annuar said he would support the decision to go solo if it would mean victory for Umno in the election.

He also apologised to PAS for any hurtful remarks that might have been made against the party during the general assembly.