Muhyiddin warns Malay support for Umno down to 30%

Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin has warned that Malay support for the nationalist party has dwindled to 30 percent, while 78 percent are unsatisfied with the present state of the economy.

Citing a survey by the Merdeka Center, Muhyiddin said Malay support for Umno over the years has been above 50 percent.

“However, it has of late dwindled, to 30 percent now. Umno has always been at the forefront in terms of gaining Malay support, but this has dwindled.

“Similarly, the (percentage of) people satisfied with the present economic situation is only at 17 percent and there are 78 percent who are not satisfied with the present state.

“The level of Chinese support for the government has also dwindled, from 13 percent in the last general election to only five percent at present. It may be lower in two years.

“This is the reality facing Umno and BN as a result of the present leadership, due to 1MDB. And if not corrected, within two years (in the next general election) Umno may lose,” he said.

Speaking for more than an hour at the Pagoh Umno division gathering yesterday in show of support for him, Muhyiddin expressed hope that the present leadership, be it at the division or supreme council levels, would take heed of the survey, as it represents the sentiments of the population.

However, the Umno deputy president did not state when the Merdeka Center survey was done.

Muhyiddin, who was formerly deputy prime minister and Pagoh MP, said this was why he had voiced his concern to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on the 1MDB matter.

“My actions were to try and rectify the situation and remedy the party.

“You (Najib) are the person responsible, who created this problem. How long should I remain silent on this?” Muhyiddin said in his speech.

“I am not the person involved in the 1MDB or RM2.6 billion. Why is a person who is innocent punished and the person who is responsible is not facing action? Where is the logic and which law stipulates that?” he asked to the roar of his supporters.

Muhyiddin said those who criticise are cut and beheaded, so where is the democracy in the party (and also in the cabinet?).

What is important is not him, but the welfare of the nation and the people and Muhyiddin reiterated that he expected to face more pressures from the party leadership “as the signs are there”.

Do you want me to wrestle with Najib?

Muhyiddin then painted a pessimistic picture on the outcome of the party general assembly scheduled to be held next week following the moves to cut him from speaking, and possibly party vice-president Shafie Apdal who was similarly sacked from the cabinet, as well.

“What will happen after the assembly? Umno may not change. However, I am confident there are Umno leaders at all levels who are aware of the musibah (the bog problem) we are facing.

“How long can we continue to say, ‘yes sir, yes sir, saya akur, saya akur’ (I agree, I agree). Until when do the government and the people have to harbour this burden (with the economy ailling)?

“I am aware of the circumstances of what I say but I believe “berani kerana benar” (in being brave when you are right) and that there was nothing wrong with that as my struggle is on the right path and our intention is correct,” he said, adding that despite what the people say or believed in, he felt much relief in letting out his disagreement with Najib and not being in the cabinet.

“All the earthly rewards. like positions and honours, are just momentary, for in the end we will meet our maker,” he said.

Although there has been crtiticism of Muhyiddin being seen as being in action against Najib, he asked the people of Pagoh what else should he do.

“Do you want to see me wrestle with him (Najib)? There is no party election, and if there is I may also want to try my luck,” he said to the loud cheers from the crowd that also included members from BN component parties MCA, MIC and Gerakan.

Despite saying this, Muhyiddin still wonders whether action will be taken against him if he were to challenge for the Umno presidency.

The party leadership elections, which was initially slated for next year, has been deferred till after the 14th general election. -Mkini