I will continue to speak up, says Muhyiddin
Published on: Monday, August 03, 2015
Johor: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Sunday he would not allow himself to be muted on topics like the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal as it is his duty to raise issues of public concern. The former Deputy Prime Minister, whose remarks on the controversy cost him his Deputy Prime Minister post earlier this week, told Umno delegates here that he will continue discussing 1MDB even though it might displease certain parties. "My political friends gave me the advice, they said 'Tan Sri, you are no longer the Deputy Prime Minister, please speak nicely (of 1MDB). Who knows, there may be those bent on finding fault so that your deputy president post is put in jeopardy. ADVERTISEMENT "I said I won't keep quiet. As a deputy president why would I? I need to speak up," he thundered during his speech to the crowd of over 400 Umno delegates from the Kluang division at its annual general meeting Sunday. Muhyiddin added the 1MDB issue was not a small matter and has garnered negative attention worldwide. "This issue is not just the focus in Malaysia but the whole world. It is a big issue, everyone talks about it from high-level meetings to even the villages," he said. The Pagoh MP added that there was a need for a speedy resolution to the 1MDB controversy as it not only affects the Government but Umno's reputation as well. ADVERTISEMENT "When we are facing this problem, we must find a quick solution. Even if it is a government problem, it will be talked in the party too. "1MDB will be linked to Umno as well now in the crisis, that's why as deputy president, I have to speak up," Muhyiddin explained.
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He added that this issue might be Umno's downfall in the next election if it is not resolved soon, pointing to repeated reminders by opposition leaders of how they had won the popular vote in the last polls. Meanwhile, Muhyiddin denied allegations that he purportedly intended to topple the present government.He pointed out that as the number two man in the party buttressed by the Malays, it would be absurd and he had no intention to do it.On the contrary, he said, he would continue to support the Government."Since when did I plan to topple the government? Two days ago I was dropped from the Government, I did not go anywhere and just stayed home," he said.Muhyiddin reiterated his stand to continue to assist Najib in strengthening Umno and at the same time would continue to express his opinion for the survival of the party."Now I have time for my wife and children, but for as long as there is a need, I will assist the president and will not relinquish my responsibility."We have to plan our moves to overcome the various national problems such as the cost of living burden faced by the people and matters concerning security," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Muhyiddin said he was not offended by the moves of several Umno divisions that had withdrawn the invitation extended to him to officially open their divisional delegates meeting.According to Muhyiddin, the Kluang Umno division's willingness to proceed with the invitation and the Johor Umno Liaison Body's support in calling for him to continue to be respected as the deputy president of the party proved that Johor Umno respected the leadership institution and the position earned through an election.