A tearjerker as Kluang shows support for Muhyiddin

Members sob openly during opening prayers as deputy president named as honest man

KLUANG: Tears flowed freely at Kluang Umno divisional meeting today during opening prayers and while the name of sacked deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was mentioned.

Almost half of the audience at the meeting were seen sobbing or with tears in their eyes when the doa was recited by religious bureau head Azahari Awang, who also burst into tears.

Muhyiddin, the guest of honour for the meeting, was described by Azharu as an honest leader. More tears flowed and others were heard sobbing openly at the mention of Muhyiddin’s name.

Hanisah Othman, the Wanita leader of Kampung Melayu Kluang 2, said her tears flowed because of her love for the party. “I love this party (Umno) and the fight must go on for the sake of the Malays,” she said. Umno has been divided by the controversy over 1Malaysia Development Bhd and news of other financial scandals involving the pilgrims fund, Tabung Haji, and Mara, the rural development agency.

She hoped that Muhyiddin, who is MP for Pagoh, would continue to carry on. “Although he doesn’t have any position in the government, that doesn’t mean he cannot carry out his duty for the sake of the Malays in the country.”

Johor is Muhyiddin’s home state, and he was menteri besar of the state, long regarded as an Umno stronghold, before moving into the federal government.

He was sacked as deputy prime minister by Najib Razak last week after a speech at Cheras Umno two days earlier, urging Najib to answer allegations about billions in 1MDB-linked funds being deposited in private banking accounts held in Najib’s name.