Speaking while launching BN’s election machinery in the parliamentary constituency of Libaran in Sandakan, Musa said he had read a claim by the opposition on the internet.
It said he had a hand in Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal getting sacked from the federal cabinet.
“I told the Semporna people: which leaders marred the name of the party president (Umno’s Najib Razak)?
“Wasn’t it (former deputy prime minister) Muhyiddin Yassin, (former Kedah menteri besar) Mukhriz and Shafie?
“Based on the code of ethics, Umno’s Supreme Council said whoever marred the name of the party president would have disciplinary action taken against them.
“So the supreme council fired Muhyiddin and Mukhriz while Shafie was suspended.
“Shafie could’ve appealed the decision but he decided to leave the party. Nobody fired him. The Semporna people have to understand this.”
Musa was referring to now-PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin and deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir, son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is now PPBM leader.
Semporna MP Shafie, who was Umno vice-president, quit the party following his removal from the federal cabinet and later formed local opposition party Warisan.
All three were taken to task by Umno’s Supreme Council after criticising Najib’s handling of the 1MDB issue.
Semporna is said to be a “hot seat’ where BN and the opposition currently have two elected representatives each.
The other opposition representative in Semporna is Jaujan Sambakong, for Sulabayan, who also left Umno to become Warisan vice-president.
Musa, who is also Sabah BN liaison chairman, said he was disappointed with Shafie, who he said he had helped to become Umno vice-president.
“Whose fault is it? Is it my fault?”
Musa then stressed that loyalty is the most important thing in any party.
“I myself was loyal to (former Sabah head of state and chief minister) Tun Datu Mustapha when Usno was in power.
“I never left my party and until now I remain loyal to it and its leader. I’ve never criticised my leader.
“I’ve also told the people of Semporna to be loyal and ‘berani kerana benar’ (brave because they are being truthful).
“Even Tun Sakaran Dandai (another former head of state and chief minister) remains forever loyal to Tun Datu Mustapha, his mentor.”
Musa also urged all election machinery workers to adopt a winning mentality.
“We have to think like winners, constantly think about how to win and keep working.
“I’ve gone to many areas in Sabah and seen that the fighting spirit in all the divisions and branches is very high. Insha Allah (God willing) we will win.”