Muhyiddin told to take a holiday from Umno

An Umno blog highlights a letter saying that's a better option than sacking the Deputy President.

PETALING JAYA: The Umno blog MyKMU.net today highlighted a reader’s letter calling on Umno Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin to go on leave until after the 14th general election.

Amin Yatim, whose letters are often featured in MyKMU, said he was certain that Muhyiddin was among the seven Umno leaders being investigated for going against party discipline.

He said Muhyiddin deserved to be sacked for his open criticism of Umno President Najib Razak, but he cautioned that such a drastic measure might backfire on the party at the general election.

Addressing Muhyiddin, he said, “Although you don’t have a strong team – thanks to your lack of rapport with the rakyat – the party and the President could face problems from your supporters, a certain royal family and a small group of self-interested Umno politicians (if you were sacked).

“Therefore, in the interest of Umno’s survival, I appeal to you to take a leave of absence from your post as Umno Deputy President until after the 14th general election. This will not only allow Umno to be better prepared for the election, but will also benefit you in the long run. You’ll still be Deputy President when you return from your leave.”

Amin said Umno Secretary-General Tengku Adnan Mansor’s recent announcement about seven party leaders being under investigation was a clear indication that the party was undergoing a serious leadership crisis.

He said Muhyiddin had shown, by his actions since being sacked from the Cabinet, that he could no longer work with the Umno President. In fact, he added, Muhyiddin had violated those parts of the Umno constitution calling for ethical and dignified behaviour, obedience to party rules and decisions, protection of the party’s secrets and preservation of its good name and dignity.

Amin said Muhyiddin’s recent behaviour showed that he was no longer interested in fulfilling the functions of Deputy President of Umno, one of which, as specified by the party’s constitution, is to “assist the President in his duties.”