Muhyiddin suspended as Umno deputy

(NST) –  Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been suspended as Umno deputy president, effective immediately.

Vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, had been tasked with carrying out duties as the party’s No. 2.

Umno secretary-General Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor in announcing this said the suspension would be in place until the party’s next elections.

He said the suspension was a unanimous decision after a motion was jointly tabled by council members.

Tengku Adnan said Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Zahid requested to leave the meeting as they did not want to be involved in the decision made by the Supreme Council.

Vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was then appointed to chair the meeting.

“Muhyiddin has been informed of the meeting, but he had told the council via fax that he could not attend, so did (vice president) Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

“The meeting lasted two hours. All the council members were given time and space to air their views to Hishammuddin.

“The council takes note that Umno promotes freedom of speech and the party has never stopped anyone from giving the views, but it must be done through proper channels,” said Tengku Adnan.