KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Annuar Musa has accepted his suspension as Mara chairman, saying it was the prerogative of the Mara board members.
When contacted today, Annuar, who was also suspended as Pelaburan Mara Bhd (PMB) chairman, said he was informed of the development by Mara director-general Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad and Mara board member Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob.
Yusof has been nominated by the Mara board to assume acting chairmanship for both Mara and PMB.
"I was informed by them just now (at noon) and accepted the board's decision openly. That is their right (to suspend me).
"I have posted a statement on Facebook and you can see the rest of my comments there," Annuar said.
The suspension was announced in a press conference in an emergency meeting between Mara board members earlier today.
In his Facebook posting, Annuar said he is currently in New Zealand and did not know that the emergency meeting was held.
Annuar said the board meeting was supposed to take place on Feb 14, adding that he was planning to raise several issues at the meeting.
“But it looks like the minister (Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri) has given his consent for this meeting to be held earlier and without my presence.
“As a civil servant who was appointed by the minister, I accept all responsibility with an open heart. I will always uphold the principles of integrity and trust,” he said.
"God-willing, I will issue a statement next week. Let things calm down first; there is no need to rush."
The Umno information chief also added that he will cut short his visit to New Zealand as a sign of adherence to his suspension.
It is believed that the suspension was due to the controversial allocation of sponsorship for Kelantan football team The Red Warriors from PMB and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL).