KUALA LUMPUR: The controversy surrounding the shock resignation of Umno disciplinary board chairman Tan Sri Apandi Ali will be resolved once he returns from vacation, the party’s secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said today.
Annuar also maintained that the party leadership has not interfered in the affairs of its disciplinary board, and emphasised that as far as Umno is concerned, Apandi is still the board’s chairman.
“I was given a picture of what had happened (which precipitated Apandi tendering his resignation) and I (feel) that this matter must be discussed properly when Apandi returns from his vacation overseas,” he said in a statement, today.
Annuar also expressed hope for everyone to respect the position of the disciplinary board.
“It should be stressed that the disciplinary board was formed under the party constitution and remains independent.
“The disciplinary board is free to conduct any investigation and report (findings) to the party leadership.
“Any confusion regarding the process and actions (taken by) the disciplinary board (could) be clarified when the board holds a meeting independently, chaired by Apandi himself,” he added.
On Thursday, Apandi, who was Attorney-General under the previous Barisan Nasional administration, announced his resignation as Umno disciplinary board chairman, barely a year after his appointment.
According to Apandi, he made the decision to step down as he wanted to retain his integrity, following “interference” in disciplinary proceedings against former Umno vice-president, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
“Nobody in the political hierarchy can interfere with the functions of the disciplinary board.
“As I said, it is unconstitutional and unlawful. I cannot condone such things. It goes against the principle of my ardent belief in the rule of law,” he was reported as saying.
However, Apandi has yet to formally submit his resignation letter, which he said he would do in early January.
On Dec 13, Hishammuddin was served a show-cause letter and ordered to appear before the disciplinary board over his involvement in a meeting between Umno Members of Parliament and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali in November.
The disciplinary proceedings were scheduled to take place on Dec 26, but were postponed.
Apandi had said that he did not order the postponement and that “there is something wrong here”.