Barisan leaders who didn’t stand during Zahid’s speech included Annuar Musa.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa has admitted that he had gone against Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s call for support for an early 15th general election (GE15) during the coalition’s convention yesterday.
In a Facebook post, Annuar said that this was because he was not sure that BN was well prepared for the polls, though many claimed to be “ready”.
Zahid, during the convention yesterday, had called on attendees to stand if they thought the GE should be held as soon as possible, to “show” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the coalition was ready to face the election.
According to a Malaysiakini report, some 4,000 attendees stood up.
Annuar claimed the standing ovation was “instructed”, and despite being orchestrated, some leaders were seen awkwardly standing in support when Zahid addressed the crowd.
“The Barisan chairman asked the crowd when they wanted GE15 to be held. They (the crowd) were later told to stand.
“I saw many were stunned, and there were many who stood up spontaneously. Some are waiting to see if their friends are standing or not.
“Some stood up but said their true stance is different. It is normal in these types of situations.
“I agree that GE15 should be expedited, but only once Barisan is truly prepared,” said Annuar.
He also made no secret of his displeasure towards Zahid’s call to expedite GE15, saying that he sat down, despite being told to stand.
“I don’t have to stand just because others stood, or because I’m shy, timid, and so on,” he added.
Annuar reflected on his experience as a politician, saying he has seen many leaders facing defeats despite being confident of emerging victorious.
“In my experience, I have witnessed those who claim they were confident of winning, losing; those who said they are ready but were actually not; those who had funds but quickly ran out days into campaigning.
“I believe the Prime Minister will return the mandate to the people, but not in haste. Instead, it should be when the people are confident and ready to return the mandate to Barisan,” he said.
Annuar then quoted a quote from Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu’s Art of War.
“Know yourselves, know your enemies, one hundred battles, one hundred victories.”
Ismail Sabri, who is also from Umno, has reportedly been averse to having an early election.
In an interview with Nikkei Asia, he cited rising costs in food and other living expenses as among the reasons to push back the elections, which only need to be called by September next year.