KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has given his assurance that he will continue to be loyal and serve Umno as the deputy president.
Muhyiddin, who has been dropped from the cabinet thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for giving him the opportunity to serve in the government as his deputy since April 10, 2009.
In a statement, he said he accepted the decision with an open heart.
“I also thank all the heads of departments, government officials, non-governmental organisations and all those who have supported me throughout my tenure as the deputy prime minister.
“I accept this decision with an open heart and respect the prime minister’s prerogative to elect and drop any cabinet members,” he said in a statement issued on Facebook.
As the deputy prime minister, Muhyiddin said he had been directly involved in policy making and had carried out his duties responsibly.
“Ever since I stepped into the position, I had always supported all government policies and the leadership of the prime minister, except in the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) issue where I have my own principles and stand in protecting the people’s rights, and the party’s as well as the nation’s good name.
“If my stand (on 1MDB) resulted in me being dropped from the cabinet, I accept it,” he said.
Muhyiddin stressed that he would always be loyal in championing Umno’s cause and would continue to carry out his responsibilities as Umno deputy president.
“I will go on serving the public to strengthen the party, as well as to enhance the Malay community’s confidence in Umno,” he added.