Zahid Hamidi is new DPM

KUALA LUMPUR — Mr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is the new deputy prime minister, Mr Najib Razak announced today (July 28).

In a haste press conference held in Putrajaya this afternoon, Prime Minister Najib confirmed rumours that Mr Muhyiddin Yassin would be dropped as his deputy.

Rumours spread earlier today that Mr Muhyiddin along with other ministers critical of Putrajaya’s handling of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) would be dropped as part of a Cabinet reshuffle.

“I can accept differences of opinion and criticism as part of the decision-making process. But as Cabinet members, differences of opinion shouldn’t be expressed openly that can affect public perception towards the government,” Mr Najib said during the press conference.

“The decision to replace Muhyiddin was a very difficult one, but I had to do it so a strong team can move forward.”

Mr Muhyiddin had during the weekend urged Najib to satisfactorily explain the 1MDB controversy, claiming that he and other ministers were unaware of the “real facts”.

This resulted in a rare public rebuke from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, which urged Mr Muhyiddin and other members of the administration not to pre-judge the ongoing investigations on 1MDB.

According to Mr Najib today, Mr Zahid Hamidi will also continue to be home minister. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE