‘Langkawi by-election’ just a joke: Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa yesterday apologised for his remark about a by-election in Langkawi, saying it was made in jest.

The Ketereh MP, while campaigning in Sungai Kandis earlier this week, said the byelection there was a gift from God and that no one knew where the next one would be, before saying it could be in Langkawi.

Acknowledging his statement could have offended some, Annuar has apologised for it.

“I had said that by-elections happened because of God’s gift, and that it could happen anywhere, including Langkawi. I also said Bera and Ketereh, but it was said in jest.

“So don’t take offence. It is not my character to say such things. If anybody felt offended, I apologise, no problem. That was not what I meant,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby.

The Langkawi seat is held by 93-year-old Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Commenting on Mahathir, Annuar described the veteran statesman as his “boss, a leader and a good man”.

“We must respect the prime minister and not make a fool of him. We must support him. Whenever he has done something right, we must acknowledge it,” he said.

“But don’t say something not nice. People sometimes misinterpret, I don’t mind, I can apologise,” he said.