In a Facebook post, the former Barisan Nasional secretary-general claimed delegates nominated by the divisions to speak at the Umno annual general assembly have been replaced by those appointed by the party president.

He said that proposals by the Supreme Council were only allowed to be discussed among the council members, which went against the party’s constitution.

“Attempts to speak against the Supreme Council are considered a breach of discipline,” he said.

Annuar also claimed there was a “virtual army” working online to spread fabricated stories about those with different opinions from the party’s leadership.

“Although this is the safest AGM, all the decisions are set. It is unnecessary for them to make up stories to instil hatred among each other,” he said.

According to him, the party should be focused on uniting Malay parties instead, while keeping an open mind on negotiating with others.

Annuar stressed that Umno must remain consistent in rejecting Pakatan Harapan and protecting the people’s welfare, especially the Malay-Muslim community.

“Umno must avoid becoming an increasingly divisive party because this will ruin it,” he said.

When met by reporters at the sidelines of the assembly today, former prime minister Najib Razak said it was Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s right as president to decide which delegates get to speak.

“Even if you disagree, we have to accept the reality that the president has the power to decide on the debaters,” he said.