Ex-DPM accepts being dropped over 1MDB stand

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he accepted the consequences of having his own stand on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

“If I was dropped from the Cabinet because of my stand on the issue, I accept it,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Muhyiddin was dropped as Deputy Prime Minister and Educa­tion Minister.

He said he accepted the decision by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak with an open heart as it was his prerogative.

“I respect his prerogative as the Prime Minister to appoint and to drop any of the Cabinet members,” Muhyiddin said.

“Except in the 1MDB issue, I have my own stand and principles in fighting for the rakyat’s right, good name of the party and the nation’s interest.”

As the former Deputy Prime Minister, he said he was involved directly in drafting national policies and had carried out his duties with full responsibility.

“While I was still in service, I have always supported all Govern­ment policies and the leadership of the Prime Minister,” he said.

He added that he would always be loyal to the struggle of Umno.

“As the deputy president, I will carry on my duty that has been entrusted to me and will give as much as I can to further strengthen the party in order to return the trust of the Malays and the rakyat towards Umno,” he said.

Muhyiddin also thanked the Prime Minister for giving him a chance to serve as part of his admi­nistration as the Deputy Prime Minister since April 10, 2009.

He is scheduled to hold a press conference at his house this mor­ning.

Muhyiddin entered politics in the early 1970s, as the Johor state Umno Youth secretary in 1976.

The Muar-born statesman contested in the general election in 1978, winning the Pagoh parliamen­tary seat and retaining it in 1982.

In 1986, he moved to the Bukit Serampang state seat which he won uncontested and was appointed Mentri Besar of Johor, a position he held until 1995.

An economics graduate from Universiti Malaya, Muhyiddin became Umno vice-president in 1993 and went on to be Umno deputy president in 2009.

He served as minister of Youth and Sports (1995-1999), Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (1999-2004), Agriculture and Agro Based Industry (2004-2008), International Trade and Industry (2008-2009).

In April 2009, he became the Deputy Prime Minister and took over the Education Ministry portfolio.