PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Annuar Musa has shot down talks that several Umno MPs were supporting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his newest campaign, where he claimed to have sufficient numbers to form a government.
The Umno Supreme Council member said the party leadership has yet to discuss this latest development.
"The claim made by Anwar has never been discussed in Umno.
"I have been asking friends because I have the list of those allegedly joining Anwar, but when I called them, they all denied it," said Annuar who is also Barisan Nasional secretary-general.
"So I am still quite puzzled by the claim. I have even spoken to the party president."
"Anwar's statement earlier was possibly made at an individual level. It was certainly not made at the party level so the party had no cause to discuss the matter," he said at a press conference today at the Federal Territories Ministry headquarters in Putrajaya.
Earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would not stop Barisan Nasional or Umno lawmakers from joining Anwar.
Umno, Pas and Bersatu was also reported to meet this week to discuss Anwar's claims, following that.
Annuar also said that all members would toe the party line whatever happened next.
"We can negotiate over anything but not Anwar and not DAP. This is the party decision and this decision stays."
He also hinted that Anwar had deliberately made the announcement just before the Sabah elections.
"Anwar made the announcement a few days before the Sabah elections. The elections are over so now the focus should be on forming the government and delivering what has been promised."
Annuar said the government had to prioritise efforts to eradicate poverty.
"We should not worry about political issues for now. The economy should be the main priority.
"We must work towards national unity. As far as I'm concerned the prime minister has good ratings and we should move forward."
He said Umno leaders met every two weeks while the party's next meeting with Pas scheduled to be on Oct 7.
"That meeting is also not specifically over Anwar's claims."