Annuar, who is also the Ketereh Umno division leader, said he knew that PN candidate Khlir Nor had yet to receive his official appointment letter despite having been announced as a candidate for the seat.

“Khlir is my friend, why would I stand in his way? I have told my friends and the parties that wanted me to join them not to fight each other. It’s enough that Umno members are fighting over me.

“I don’t want to cause trouble to anyone,” he told reporters after witnessing the presentation of appointment letters to Kelantan BN candidates here today.

Annuar said he had chosen to stay loyal to Umno.

“Some say there is still time to spring a surprise. For me, it’s a matter of principle. I cannot join other parties. Not because I hate them, but it’s my principle,” he said.

He also said he would do his best to help the BN candidate for Ketereh, Marzuani Ardila Ariffin, to win the seat.

“Her late father was my supporter, her mother is still supporting me. Sometimes, when she cooked a meal, she would even send some to my house.

“These people had given me their undivided support. They had sacrificed a lot for me. So, it’s time for me to return the favour,” he said.