KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Sunday announced he would defend his post of Umno vice-president at the party elections in December, dismissing speculation that he might go for the party presidency or deputy presidency.
He also said that he abided by the decision of the Umno Supreme Council for an orderly transition of power from Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in June 2010.
"As such, I feel it is most appropriate for me to defend my post of vice-president so that I can play a role in facilitating the transition of power," he said in a statement issued here on Sunday. Muhyiddin said he arrived at the decision based on the fact he wanted to ensure party integrity and put up a credible and strong top leadership which could strive to champion the unity and plight of Malays.
He also said that the decision he had taken did not mean that he was dismissing the principles of democracy and the Umno members' right of expression.
Three Johor Umno branches -- Stulang Laut, Permas Jaya and Kampung Desa Jaya -- have unanimously expressed their desire at their annual meetings for Muhyiddin to be nominated to contest the post of party president.
"Umno holds steadfastly to democratic principles and does not at all restrict its members from expressing their opinions in arriving at decisions which they regard as good for the party," said Muhyiddin, who is International Trade and Industry Minister.
He also said that Umno subscribed to consensus in its administrative procedures and always adhered to its regulations and Constitution.
As such, he hoped that all party members could place their trust in him to defend his vice-presidency. Muhyiddin was elected Umno vice-president in 1993 after having failed in his first attempt in 1990. He did not retain the post in 1996 but won it four years later and has held it since.
Muhyiddin said he realised that his decision would come as a disappointment to certain quarters and party members but "I wish to emphasise that every struggle requires sacrifice and I will always respect and appreciate their support." -- Bernama
Muhyiddin not contesting Umno presidency or deputy postMalaysia Star, Malaysia -
