IPOH: Top Barisan Nasional leaders have not been seen much in Tambun because everyone is facing a tough fight in their respective constituencies, says Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
The veteran Umno leader said it was not because they wanted to let Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim win easily.
"This is an unfair accusation. The absence of Barisan leaders is because they are in the middle of the general election and everyone is facing tough fights in their respective constituencies," he told reporters after the Perjumpaan Santai programme at the Tambun Umno division office here on Tuesday (Nov 15).
"Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is spending a lot of time in Bera and that's why people like me, who are not candidates, can help.
"Umno is not a rich party like before, so I understand if there are candidates who may feel that we don't have enough funding," he added.
Giant posters of Anwar have been placed in several areas in Tambun.
Several pro-Perikatan Nasional billboards in the constituency have been put up, allegedly by Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu's supporters.
Anwar will face Barisan's Datuk Aminuddin Md Hanafiah, Bersatu's Ahmad Faizal, and Pejuang's Abdul Rahim Tahir for the Tambun parliamentary seat.
Annuar, who is not defending his Keterah seat, said the last three days of campaigning will give a clearer view who will win on Nov 19.
"My greatest fear is the split among Malay voters. The Malays need to unite. We gained independence because of unity," he said, adding that he was urging Perikatan supporters to vote for Barisan candidates instead.
