Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today held a press conference at his residence in Bukit Damansara.- Astro AWANI/SHAHIR OMAR

KUALA LUMPUR: Following his dismissal from the Cabinet yesterday, former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has become the topic of conversation for all Malaysians who take interest in current affairs.

Muhyiddin was asked to comment on several pressing matters at a special media conference held at his home in Bukit Damansara here earlier today.

Among the most prominent questions he was asked was if he regretted his vocal stand on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) investigation, which is understood to be what cost him his Cabinet post.

Muhyiddin was also asked if he believed the 1MDB issue could be resolved, how much he knew about the scandal, and if the removal of Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail as attorney-general and the Cabinet appointments of several Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members was a ploy to interfere with the investigation.

Muhyiddin on 1MDB

As the media conference gained momentum, Muhyiddin was asked about how Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak broke the news to him.

Muhyiddin was also asked if it had happened before or after his speech at the Cheras UMNO division meeting on Sunday night.

Here, Muhyiddin related how Najib seemed to have a difficult time telling him how he was not included in the new Cabinet line-up, and how the matter was conveyed in very few words.

Muhyiddin on how Najib broke the news to him
 

On UMNO, reporters were keen to know if Muhyiddin would remain with the party. Here, the Pagoh MP said his position in the party as UMNO deputy president remains intact – his duties and responsibilities towards helping the president propelling the party to greater heights remain unchanged, and he had no reason to believe that his current position in the party would be threatened.

Muhyiddin also related his thoughts on UMNO’s decision to delay party elections.

Muhyiddin on UMNO
 

Speaking about his supporters, Muhyiddin said he understands if they were angry or disheartened, but he believed that everyone would eventually see that he only has the interest of UMNO and the country at heart.

 Muhyiddin’s advice to his supporters      
 

With Muhyiddin now seen as one of Najib’s critics, the former number two was asked if he was on the same platform as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – arguably the harshest critic of the Najib administration.

To this, Muhyiddin said the issue of whether he was in the same camp as Dr. Mahathir or not was irrelevant; what is important is that each criticism be weighed differently and accordingly.

Muhyiddin on Dr Mahathir