Mahathir Declaration: UMNO staying calm, but will not view it lightly - Annuar Musa

UMNO is staying calm and is not be in a hurry to take action against party members involved in the recent 'Mahathir Declaration', said Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

However, he said the party would not underestimate the issue and will take into account all aspects, including the views of its grassroots, before acting against members who were clearly seen to be conspiring with the opposition.

"Moreover, we have various bureaus and committees within the party to assess what has happened. UMNO will not panic. We are calm, but we will take this seriously, and not view lightly what has happened.

"At the same time, discipline and rigour has always existed in the party. Let the people judge what has happened," he said when appearing as a guest on the talkshow 'Soal Jawab' on TV3, at Sri Pentas on Wednesday.

Annuar, who is also Ketereh MP, was commenting on the action of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Friday, who led a group of over 40 people including Lim Kit Siang of DAP and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Azmin Ali of PKR, in signing a declaration to support the ouster of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak from the prime minister's post.

The declaration was also signed by former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir and former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Annuar said whatever issues which arise, including efforts to topple the government, should be dealt with wisely.

"Despite whatever problems that may arise, we should not leave behind and forget the mandate given by the people. Look at the problems of the people, the country, the internal problems as well as those from outside.

"At the same time, it should be remembered, that the Prime Minister cannot be removed or ousted with such a declaration or campaign.

"The opposition can create many issues, but we as the government of the day, should find the solutions, we still have two more years (before the next general election), we should not all just give up our work, we should prioritise the people's interests," he said.

Annuar said the people should look at the declaration campaign wisely, and at the same time assess who are the people behind it, as well as what are their motives.

"There are three categories of people watching a movie. The first, are those who will be swayed by the storyline and get carried away. Second, those who watch it, but control their emotions.

"The third, are those who will think about the director, actors and so on. So as a veteran politician who has seen many types of politicking in the country, I see this declaration in the context of the third category.

"This is because Tun Mahathir is a strategist. So we have to look a few steps ahead. It must be remembered, that he is very clever in using other people's abilities to fulfill his own ambitions," he added.