Muhyiddin will continue to assist Najib as Umno deputy president

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KUALA LUMPUR: Former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who was dropped during a cabinet reshuffle yesterday pledged to remain loyal to the party’s struggle and carry out the responsibilities entrusted on him with the aim of bringing back the confidence of Malays to the party.

Muhyiddin who has been vocal over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd said not being the deputy prime minister was not an obstacle for him to carry out his duties in the party and for the country.

“Even when I was the deputy prime minister I had carried out my duties as the Umno deputy president to my best ability, for the good of the party, and unity among the Malays so that the people can continue supporting us,” he told reporters in his first press conference since being dropped from the cabinet.

Muhyiddin said he would however, need a little time to plan an agenda to be carried out later.

“I have just been dropped from the cabinet, give me some time and space to regain my composure and continue my responsibilities. What I am going to do next is important for my status as the Umno deputy president and BN deputy
president,” he said.

Asked if he can continue working with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak after Najib’s decision to drop him from the cabinet, Muhyiddin said based on the constitution of the party, the deputy president will assist the party
president and the Umno Supreme Council to strengthen the party.

Over weekend, during a speech at the Cheras Umno division meeting, Muhyiddin had said that Najib must explain claims in The Wall Street Journal reports about US$700 million (RM2.67 billion) deposited into the prime minister’s personal
accounts and also the RM42 billion debt accumulated by 1MDB.

Many feel his outburst had caused him the deputy prime minister’s post.

“As the deputy president, the main problem is not me but the future of the party and the people. I must not worry about what happened to me. I guess the people will also want to see us to the right thing for the country,” he said.

Asked if he would join former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to criticise the government, Muhyiddin said joining the former premier or not was not important.

“The former prime minister or the views of former leaders cannot be overlooked because he (Mahathir) is still active and contributing ideas,” he said.

Asked about the possibility that he may not be invited for Umno division meetings throughout the country, Muhyiddin said such decisions were the prerogative of the divisions.

“It is still early, many people are still shocked but once the situation calms down I feel they will understand that I need to carry out my duties as the deputy president effectively,” he said.

Muhyiddin who thanked Johor Umno for stating that there would be no restriction in the state for him to carry out his duties, said he was also willing to help any Umno division that required assistance.

He said he would continue attending the Umno Supreme Council meetings as usual since there was no reason for him to stay away or be obstructed.

“The Umno Supreme Council members are experienced and responsible. They have always been fair and open in their views. I don’t think anything unusual will happen if I attended the meeting as usual,” he said. -Bernama