Quitting is last thing on Muhyiddin’s mind

 

Amid rumours that he would quit, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin says he is still ‘alive and kicking’ and will continue to serve for years to come.

He said he would remain in his post as long as he has the confidence of the Umno president Najib Abdul Razak and his party’s members.

“I think I still have the ability to assist the Umno leadership and the government, so I will continue with my services. There is no need to discuss when I will resign or whether it’s true that I’ll resign.

“I think if we are ready (to face general elections) then I can step down, but to me it seems that is not the situation, so it is important that I remain here and help,” he said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia published today.

Muhyiddin, who is also Umno’s deputy president, added that he and Najib will delegate some of their official duties to other ministers, in order to spend more time reforming the party.

He said he and the PM have been ‘buried’ in government affairs, to the extent of not spending enough time on party affairs.

“We are at a critical juncture. If reform or renewal is not seen to be done, I am worried that we will lose (the next election).

“The writing is already on the wall. If we don’t take stern action on the leaders of any level to bring change, then we will have to bear with the consequences,” he was quoted as saying, when asked about preparations for the 14th general election.

‘Free to speak’

On another matter, Muhyiddin said delegates at the upcoming Umno general assembly should be free to speak on any subject, including hot-button issues such as whether national-type schools help or hinder national unity, on the Sedition Act 1948, and issues of race and religion.

He said the party leaders and delegates have a responsibility to raise issues, and the assembly is the best platform for them to do so.

However, he said the speakers should also come forward with suggestions instead of merely raising issues, and also be tactful, to not hurt the feelings of others.

“Some people have reminded us not to say this or not to say that. For me, the members need to be given the freedom although they should know how to deliver it without hurting the feelings of others.

“Let it be sweet to the ears but sting in the heart because what was said is true. These are basics that I think our speakers could use,” he said.

Previously, Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Mansor (left) said that party members were told not play up racial and religious issues, or personal issues between members, during the assembly.

“We should not touch on personal problems, sensitive race issues and sensitive problems between Umno members.

“They can do what they want in accordance to the guidelines given by Hishammuddin Hussein, as the vice-president in charge of these matters,” he said.

Umno would be holding its 65th annual general assembly from Nov 25 until Nov 29 at the Putra World Trade Centre.