Why deny me the right to officiate wing assemblies, Muhyiddin asks Umno

(Malay Mail Online) – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today questioned the Umno supreme council’s decision to disallow him from opening the party’s three wings next month, saying he was shocked as he had for the past six years officiated all previous assemblies in his capacity as deputy president.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Muhyiddin said he was informed that there were certain “parties” who do not want him to speak at the opening of the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings at the Umno general assembly.

“What have I done to Umno until the tradition of delivering speeches which has been given every year to the deputy president has been denied to me this year?

“Or are they afraid with what I am going to say in front of the youths which is believed to be able to weaken the confidence towards a leader?” Muhyiddin asked.

The Pagoh MP did not elaborate on what he meant by this.

“Even though I respect the decision of the supreme council, but I would like to remind them that in a country which has achieved its freedom and independence, no one can silence me,” he added, saying that he would still speak out on issues of national interest.

Yesterday, the Umno Supreme Council meeting decided that the three wing assemblies will be officiated by their respective movement heads.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Umno president, said the decision was made following the proposal by all the wings concerned.

Muhyiddin and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal were removed from the federal Cabinet late July, ostensibly for questioning Najib’s handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue.

Muhyiddin and Shafie, who remain as Umno deputy president and vice-president, have continued to criticise the party leadership, prompting demands that Umno discipline the duo for their overt attacks.