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Muhyiddin announces defending Umno vice-president post in December party elections |
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Sunday, 03 August 2008 10:11pm |
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 ©Bernama
(Used by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Sunday announced he
would defend his post of Umno vice-president at the party elections in December,
dismissing speculation that he might go for the party presidency or deputy
presidency.
He also said that he abided by the decision of the Umno Supreme Council for an
orderly transition of power from Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
to deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in June 2010.
"As such, I feel it is most appropriate for me to defend my post of
vice-president so that I can play a role in facilitating the transition of
power," he said in a statement issued here.
Muhyiddin said he arrived at the decision based on the awareness and principle
he had upheld all along -- to be prepared always and work together to ensure
party integrity and put up a credible and strong top leadership which could
strive to champion the unity and plight of the Malays in the interests of the
people, religion and country.
He also said that the decision he had taken did not mean that he was dismissing
the principles of democracy and right of expression of Umno members.
Three Johor Umno branches, Stulang Laut, Permas Jaya and Kampung Desa Jaya, have
unanimously expressed their desire at their annual meetings for Muhyiddin to be
nominated to contest the post of party president.
"Umno holds steadfastly to democratic principles and does not at all restrict
its members from expressing their opinions in arriving at decisions which they
regard as good for the party," said Muhyiddin, who is International Trade and
Industry Minister.
He also said that Umno subscribed to consensus in its administrative procedures
and always adhered to its regulations and constitution and, as such, he hoped
that all party members could place their trust in him to defend his post of
vice-president.
Muhyiddin was elected Umno vice-president in 1993 after having failed in his
first attempt in 1990. He did not retain the post in 1996 but won it four years
later and has held it since.
Muhyiddin said he realised that his decision would come as a disappointment to
certain quarters and party members but "I wish to emphasise that every struggle
requires sacrifice and I will always respect and appreciate their support".
"I pledge to continue to assist in efforts to rehabilitate the party so that we
can all together close ranks to draw up plans and streamline the party machinery
at all levels and get ready from now to face the next general election," he
said.
"If I was seen as outspoken and firm in my criticism, believe me it was never my
intention to go against the leadership. The comments were made with transparency
and sincerity because I want Umno to remain strong, empowered and credible.
"I give the assurance that I will uphold the voice of party members and the
people at whichever level I am so that Umno will remain open, transparent and
relevant for all time," he said.
Muhyiddin said he arrived at the decision after seeking the views and advice of
party members and leaders at various levels.
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Circular No 304/2008
So finally Muhyiddin dare not risk his political career by going for the No.1 or No.2 post.
In other words, he is waiting for his turn to go up after the June 2010 power transition.
Nevertheless it was a difficult decision for Muhyiddin.
Chinese say, 'ren suan bu ru tian suan'; Malays say, 'Manusia merancang, Tuhan yang menentukan.'
Ding Chu Teck