Get BN component parties’ agreement before sacking me as sec-gen, Annuar tells Zahid

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 6 — Recently ousted Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said today component parties from the coalition must be consulted prior to his sacking.

Citing BN’s constitution, Annuar said the coalition’s secretary-general could only be appointed through the consensus of its component parties, not through the sole prerogative of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the latter’s capacity as BN chairman.

“I would like to stress that I accept whole-heartedly of the decision by Zahid to sack me as the BN secretary-general and I appreciate the opportunity given to me to serve in this position within the coalition.

“However, he should have sacked me in a meeting held among BN parties because any appointment or removal should have the consensus of the other component parties,” he said, referring to Zahid,

Component parties MCA and MIC have since disclosed that Umno unilaterally replaced Annuar as BN secretary-general.

It was reported that Annuar, who is also Federal Territories minister and Ketereh MP, was removed as the BN secretary-general yesterday, and Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan was appointed to the position.

Therefore, Annuar said his dismissal can be construed as “unofficial” and sarcastically suggested that Zahid sack him one more time when BN’s supreme council convenes for a meeting.

Annuar also revealed that he has yet to receive an official letter of termination following his dismissal.

“I have yet to receive it (the letter). The new secretary-general Ahmad Maslan did text me on the matter. He also explained he did not ask for the position,” he said.

When asked if he would remain an Umno member, Annuar replied that no one has “chased” him out yet.

“Why is there a reason for me to leave? Because of this dismissal, my commitment has become even more resolute,” he said, adding that he remains steadfast as a party man.