Quelling dissent easiest way to stay in power, Annuar Musa says

Former Umno leader Annuar Musa has come out to support the recently sacked party leaders, claiming the Umno’s leadership has silenced them for disagreeing with its line.

“Firing people who disagree (with you) is the easiest way for someone to stay in power. The purpose of the dismissal and suspension is clear.

"Believe me, telling the truth is ‘expensive’. And remember, even if they are in power now, there is still someone more powerful," said Annuar (above) in a Facebook post.

Yesterday, Umno took action against numerous party leaders – with former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and supreme council member Noh Omar getting sacked.

Noh was initially suspended for six years but the former requested to be let go, which Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi obliged.

Several others who got suspended for six years include Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein and incumbent deputy Umno Youth chief Shahril Hamdan Suffian. Also suspended were former Jempol MP Salim Sharif and former Tiram assemblyperson Maulizan Bujang.

Annuar, who previously served as Ketereh MP and BN secretary general, was himself dismissed from the party last month.

“To my friends who are fighting and trying to tell the truth and spare the party from being damaged, I say well done.

"I hope everyone is calm and patient," he said.

Annuar then reminded party members that Umno was just a platform to fight for a cause.

"If the leadership is good, then the struggle is right and good. If the leadership is wrong and the foundation and goals have been thrown away, then the struggle will go astray.

"When that happens, there is no need to be too sad if you are no more part of it.

"The important thing is that we remain principled, dare to speak the truth and always fight for the right foundation and goals. (For Islam, race and country)," he added.

Taking a swipe at the current leadership, Annuar said they were still living in denial.

"They prefer to blame the people, voters and everyone else, except themselves.

"The 'cleansing' they did will only create more dirt because the real source of dirt remains in the party.

"They proudly monopolise power in the party based on a false narrative of their own making," he said.

Annuar was dismissed as BN secretary-general in January 2021 amidst claims he was too close to Bersatu.

Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu also seemed to share his thoughts on Umno’s happenings.

Taking to Twitter, the former minister said: “Dear brothers, your wings are no longer clipped. Now, you can soar even higher. Semoga Allah berkati perjuangan suci (May Allah bless the struggle).

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