Najib announces ex-Selangor MB's return to Umno

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's today announced the return of
former Selangor Menteri Besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib to Umno.

The Umno president made the announcement at the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, flanked by top party leaders.

However, it came as an anti-climax as there were expectations that the prime minister would announce the defection of a heavyweight while others had even speculated that it may be related the 14th general election.

The high anticipation was due to Najib having summoned top Umno leaders from across the country to return to Kuala Lumpur for the announcement.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno deputy president, had to abandon his programmes in Perlis for the announcement.

International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Ahmad Maslan, who is also an Umno supreme council member, said he flew back to Kuala Lumpur from Sabah.

Muhammad, better known as Mat Taib, had quit Umno in 2013 to join PAS. He subsequently quit PAS to join PKR in 2015.

Muhammad was seated beside Najib during the announcement, during which he explained the reason for his return.

The former Umno vice-president attributed his return to Umno due to his concern about the split amongst Malays.

Meanwhile, Najib said Muhammad decided to return on his own accord and was not offered any incentives.

The announcement was initially shrouded in secrecy and only selected mainstream media outlets were allowed to cover the press conference.

Several news portals, as well as international newswires, were barred from the event.

Prior to the announcement, there were also speculations that Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal, who has worked tirelessly to sow a revolt against Umno in Sabah, will return to Umno.

However, Shafie's aide denied the speculation. Parti Warisan Sabah vice president Junz Wong also dismissed the claim.

"It's impossible," he told Malaysiakini.

[More to follow]

-Mkini