Abah vs Bossku: Muhyiddin says 'convict' Najib 'talking nonsense'

 

JOHOR POLLS | Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin has taken a swipe at former premier Najib Abdul Razak's apparent popularity while on the campaign trail for BN candidates in Johor so far.

In the battle of personalities between “Abah” versus “Bossku”, Najib’s campaign blitz for BN candidates so far had seemingly received more attention than Muhyiddin’s appearances. 

Asked for comments, Muhyiddin (above), who is also Bersatu president, disagreed that his own campaign for PN candidates across the state had appeared muted in comparison to Najib. 

“What do you mean quiet? Najib is talking nonsense because he is a convict. How can you trust him?” he told reporters during a press conference in Johor Bahru after launching PN’s pledge for the people of Johor.

“I spoke based on facts. I’m not quiet but you (media) people didn’t report what I said.

“It has not just been me, our machinery is on the ground campaigning. It is not right to compare me with Najib,” said the former Gambir assemblyperson.

Johor Umno deputy chief Nur Jazlan Mohamed in an interview with Malaysiakini said he was the one who arranged for Najib, who has been convicted of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power, to assist in MCA's campaign.

Jazlan said he had done it in the spirit of camaraderie to help MCA's less known Perling candidate as it is a state seat within Pulai, a parliamentary constituency where he served as the MP from 2004 until his defeat in 2018.

'Announce MB candidate at the right time'

Nur Jazlan had also said PN's strategy of using Muhyiddin as their poster boy in the Johor polls, in the absence of a menteri besar candidate, was ineffective. 

Muhyiddin, however, insisted today PN's menteri besar candidate will be announced at the right time.

“No problem. There can’t be a government without a menteri besar,” said Muhyiddin who was also a former Umno Johor menteri besar from 1986 to 1995.

BN has so far declared that incumbent menteri besar Hasni Mohammad, who is defending his Benut seat, will be retained in his position. 

Harapan, meanwhile, has yet to make a formal announcement but is likely to nominate PKR's candidate for Layang-Layang, Maszlee Malik. - Mkini