Muhyiddin may be relieved of duties as Deputy President

KUALA LUMPUR: A former Information Minister has gathered that Umno Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin, recently sacked as Deputy Prime Minister, may not be stripped of his party membership after all. If Muhyiddin was stripped of his membership, he would automatically lose the number two position, noted Zainuddin Maidin who was at one time Editor-in-Chief of Utusan Malaysia. “In any case, no matter what happens in going forward, it’s unlikely that those defending Najib on the various scandals and other issues would abandon their stand or him.”

The alternative idea being tossed around on Muhyiddin, according to a source, was to relieve him of his duties as Deputy President but he still remains a member, added Zainuddin. “The suspension of duties will apparently last until 2018 when the next General Election is due. The Deputy President’s duties, it appears, will be assumed by the Vice-Presidents in the party.”

“It appears this information from the source may have in fact been gleaned from insiders in the party who are reliable.”

However, said Zainuddin, everybody has to wait until September 9 to learn what kind of decision the party’s Supreme Council will make on Muhyiddin’s fate. “According to the source, Shafie Apdal will remain a party member and Vice-President.”

“Even former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will be kept as a member.”

In preparation for Mahathir being stripped of his party membership, said Zainuddin in recalling the issue, came the recent claims in the media that it was actually the former Prime Minister who was behind the various exposes put out by the Sarawak Report.

The earlier speculation, continued Zainuddin, was that both Muhyiddin and Mahathir will be stripped of their party membership. “Already, questions have arisen over Wanita Umno Langkawi rebel Anina Saadudin being stripped of her party membership for dragging party President and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to court over the RM2.6 billion political donation in his personal accounts.”

“Megat Najamuddin Megat Khas, a member of the Umno Disciplinary Board, has pointed out that such a decision can only be taken by the Supreme Council. He said the Umno administration, acting alone, cannot take such a decision.”

The Umno secretary-general, said Zainuddin, had explained that under Article 20.7 of the party’s Constitution, the membership of those who resorted to court action on party matters without first exhausting internal avenues available, would stand “automatically revoked”.

If more members follow in Anina’s footsteps and haul Najib to court on Umno matters, asked Zainuddin, would the party likewise claim that their membership in the party stands automatically revoked? “Or would they just remain silent since action has already been taken against Anina on the issue?”

The party, continued Zainuddin, would face endless problems if more members emulated Anina and followed in her footsteps. “They could also press the claim that Najib cheated the party of the RM2.6 billion political donation.”