PUTRAJAYA, Oct 10 — Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced his candidacy for the Umno deputy presidency in next March’s party elections.
“My decision is based on the belief that Umno will be led by Datuk Seri Najib Razak and it will require a group of leaders that is strong and united in supporting him to face current challenges.”
Speaking to reporters at a press conference here, he said the most important issue in restoring the party’s strength was to return the support of the Malays and Malaysians at large to Umno and the Barisan Nasional.
“I am confident that I can play an important role alongside the future president in the effort to bring back racial unity and strengthen cooperation between BN components by taking into account their wishes and current scenario so that we will be ready to face the 13th general elections,” the Minister of International Trade and Industry said.
He added that based on his experience and exposure in the party and government, he will be able to play a role in addressing the economic slump at hand.
On Wednesday, president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that he would not defend his presidency and endorsed Najib as his successor.
Muhyiddin confirmed that he had informed Najib of his decision but shied away from a question of whether he was contesting on Najib’s ticket.
“Yes we have to be seen to be working together and united. It is important that we do whatever we can to restore lost confidence.
“I believe that when Najib takes over the position, he will take this as a top priority matter,” he said.
He sidestepped a question on whether he would still support the president if Najib was not elected, saying “I have confidence that he will become president. I believe he will get the support of all Umno members.”
Despite at least three other leaders announcing their intentions to contest the No. 2 post, Muhyiddin said his chances were “very good. I should be very confident, Insya-Allah, with all the support of the delegates and leaders, some of whom are here to give me moral support.”
On whether Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, the Pulai division chief, would split the support from Johor Umno, the former Johor menteri besar replied with a smile: “I don’t think so. In fact, I might be getting some votes from that division.”
When asked if he would still be vocal once he was elected as deputy president, he denied that he has ever been vocal.
“I was only lately, for a reason many Malaysians share. I was actually voicing the concern of Malays and Malaysians about what is happening in the country.
“It has to be for reasons that are more than good but to say something that we believe is right. It is not a question of being vocal just because you want to be vocal.”
He added that it was not his place to speak on reform agendas.
“This is a No. 2 position. It’s not a position where you dictate the action. You have to understand how Umno works.
“You cannot be seen to be even parallel, you have to be second.”
On issues of merging the BN into a multiracial party or forming of a council of elders, he said that it was something that should be decided by the president.
“On a personal basis, if they do think they can contribute in terms of nation-building and national unity, bringing people back into the fold of BN and Umno, I think that is the role of every leader who is concerned about the future of the country and they would definitely be most welcome.”
Asked what makes him different from other deputy presidential candidates, he replied: “Because I am Muhyiddin Yassin.”
Asked to comment on former president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad endorsing him as the best candidate for the position, he merely said: “Thank you.”
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