Malaysia's Muhyiddin pledges loyalty to Umno after being dropped from cabinet

Muhyiddin added that despite being dropped as the deputy prime minister and the education minister, he felt a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders. PHOTO: THE STAR

PAGOH (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has pledged his loyalty to Umno.

Muhyiddin said he would continue to support Umno and its leadership as it is his responsibility as the party deputy president.

He said that he would never betray the party even after being dropped from the Cabinet lineup and wants certain quarters to stop persuading him to switch camps.

"According to the Umno constitution, a deputy president must be loyal to the president and I will continue to uphold it," he said.

Muhyiddin said this in his speech after performing on Friday and special prayers at Masjid Jamek Panchor here.

He stressed that as the party deputy president, he has been entrusted from grassroots members and would carry out his duty wholeheartedly.

Muhyiddin said he was afraid that Umno would lose in the next general election as the rakyat might not support the party.

"A good leader must performed his duty for the benefit of the rakyat and must not be afraid to voice out as a reminder to what the party struggle for.

"We should pray that the party leadership will receive guidance from the Almighty to ensure the rakyat would continue to support Umno," he said.

Muhyiddin added that despite being dropped as the deputy prime minister and the education minister, he felt a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

"I have served as a wakil rakyat for the past 37 years and held various posts including parliament secretary and even as Johor mentri besar before being appointed as a minister.

"Now I believe my political career have become full circle but I will continue to serve my constituency for the people in Pagoh," he said.

Muhyiddin believed that there is a silver lining for him as he able to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He had earlier held a closed-door meeting with Umno representatives from his division.

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