The Malaysian Insight

THE fight at the next polls will be between Umno and DAP, said Umno information chief Annuar Musa, accusing the opposition party of using Dr Mahathir Mohamad to carry its fight.

“DAP is simply using Dr Mahathir because it knows it will have to take on Umno,” Annuar told about 600 party members and civil organisation representatives at Umno’s first roadshow under the banner “Perjuangan for all – love, respect, unity” in Wangsa Maju last night.

“Lim Kit Siang never wanted to work with Dr Mahathir when he was prime minister for 22 years, and now that the man is 92, you think he wants to do that? He only wants to use him to topple Umno,” said Annuar.

Dr Mahathir, meanwhile, was only working with Lim because of his personal dispute with Prime Minister Najib Razak, said Annuar.

Dr Mahathir was an Umno member for 70 years and the party president from 1981 to 2003, when he was prime minister.

Umno leaders have always maintained that DAP holds the reins in Pakatan Harapan, which Dr Mahathir now chairs. PH has denied the claim, saying DAP is a fair and equal partner in the newly formed opposition coalition set to go against Umno and Barisan Nasional in the 14^th general election.

Dr Mahathir’s time is also past, said Annuar. 

“He was an apt leader during his era but not now.

“Leaders are only relevant at a certain period of time. Dr Mahathir had his time. He was God given during his time and Najib is God-given now.”

Annuar said it was sheer arrogance that made Dr Mahathir think he could still tell the government what to do.

“He made Annuar Musa, Najib is his creation, so is Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. So, when things do not go his way, he gets upset. His way is always the best. But in leadership, nobody is indispensable.”

Annuar said Umno could even work with PAS in the fight against DAP. 

“PAS exists because of Umno. We have our differences but our fight is to uphold religion and the king.

“(We) All carry the same DNA. And we will reach a meeting point at some point. So, do not be shocked if Umno works with PAS because we carry the same DNA.”

In contrast, Annuar said there were parties absorbed in personal fights and lacked policies and principles.

Annuar was referring to PKR, which was formed after then deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was sacked by Dr Mahathir and Bersatu.

As for when the elections would be called, Annuar said Putrajaya would only announce the polling date when it was certain of security a two-thirds majority.

“It is not just to win but also to build a strong government so that Najib can continue to serve the rakyat.”

Annuar said Umno hoped to unite all the Malays, who were divided by DAP making use of the splinter parties.

“We want to unite all the Malays.”

The 2½-hour session featured Annuar, Najib’s press secretary Rosni Zahari and Umno Youth exco member Shahril Suffian Hamdan.

The three also took turns answering questions from the floor.

It is the first in a series of Umno roadshows to correct negative public perception of the party and BN, highlight the achievements under Najib’s leadership, and to respond to the claims of the opposition in the lead up to the general election.

The next roadshow will take place in Sepang, followed by Sg Besar. – September 11, 2017.