Unlike Dr M, Muhyiddin says staying in Umno

(Malay Mail Online) – Suspended Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he will remain in the party to challenge Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the presidency in the next internal election.

In a press conference today, Muhyiddin rebuffed calls for him to follow Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in resigning his membership from Umno.

“I will still stay in Umno. There is no issue of (whether) I’m staying or what; I’ve never said I will leave Umno. I’ve been an Umno member since the 70s,” he told reporters.

“I am an Umno member because I think it is a good party that can fight for the country. I don’t think it’s a big mistake I have done in my political career,” he added.

Umno vice president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir were also present at the press conference in Bukit Damansara.

Muhyiddin was suspended as deputy president last week for his continued criticism of the Umno leadership.

He was also replaced as deputy prime minister last year after speaking out against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Shafie and Mukhriz were also casualties of the recent upheaval in Umno.