My UMNO deputy president post is secure, says Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR — Despite being axed from his Cabinet posts, Mr Muhyiddin Yassin is confident that his position as deputy president of the lead Malay party, UMNO, is secure.

He said he was not worried about the UMNO Supreme Council meeting this Friday (July 31) and pledged to continue his duties as the party’s No 2.

“I will not abandon my duties. I don’t feel as though I am blocked and I am not worried about attending (the meeting) because those in the Supreme Council are experienced, open leaders and will give room for everyone to air their views.

“Nothing extraordinary will happen there, it is a routine meeting,” he told reporters at a packed press conference at his home today (July 29), one day after being sacked from the Cabinet as deputy prime minister and education minister.

Despite losing his government posts, Mr Muhyiddin said he would continue to discharge party duties, including strengthening the party’s machinery to face the next general election.

He said he could work with anyone, including party president Mr Najib Razak and members of the party’s powerful supreme council, as his focus is on the party and its future.

“My responsibility as deputy president is to help the president and supreme council members to manage the party and I will continue to do it.

“What is more important is to work for the party and country and I will do what is needed to be done,” he said.

In thanking everyone who had sent him messages of support, Mr Muhyiddin said he understood the sentiment of his supporters, who were understandably upset over his shocking removal from government.

However, he advised them to put party and nation first and not to do anything that could cause the party to split.

“Don’t do anything that can cause harm or disputes,” he said. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER