Support Najib-Zahid but respect Muhyiddin, says Umno Supreme Council member

Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican urges Umno members to continue to show respect to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as he is still the party's deputy president. – The Malaysian insider filepic, August 3, 2015.Umno members need to support the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi but at the same time respect Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as he is still the party's deputy president, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said.

Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, the Umno Supreme Council member said Muhyiddin must be respected and allowed to play a role in the party, and not be insulted just because he is no longer the deputy prime minister.

Reezal added that Muhyiddin was not a criminal, and said he had done a lot for the ruling coalition, including leading it in at least 14 by-elections.

"I take the stand that the Cabinet reshuffle was the prerogative of the prime minister and cannot be disputed.

"He is looking at the bigger issue and we need to remain loyal as long as it will bring good.

"Tan Sri Muhyiddin has also pledged his loyalty to Umno, unlike (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim who had caused an uproar in our party.

"I also witnessed the downfall of Tun Abdullah Badawi, but he is a good man, putting the party's interest above all else," he reportedly said when officiating the Umno Ipoh Barat division meeting yesterday.

- TMI