[UPDATED] As Maran MP stands by Perikatan, Umno’s Idris Jusoh follows suit

KUALA LUMPUR – Felda chairman and Umno’s Besut MP Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh is giving his full support to the Muhyiddin-led Perikatan Nasional administration, saying the decision was made for the benefit of the people who are denouncing politicking amid the pandemic.

He added that Umno cannot deny Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s contribution to the party, including appointing party leaders as deputy prime minister and senior ministers.

“In times where the rakyat are suffering from the Covid issue, it is best that we don’t start politicking. We should focus on helping the people, (with means) such as vaccination and economic recovery.

“Muhyiddin also helped the Felda settlers, starting with the RM9.9 billion sukuk and a RM8.3 billion debt disposal. I have never seen a bigger-hearted leader who has helped Felda settlers this way,” he said in a statement.

He added that Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made a U-turn on the decision to allow party MPs the freedom to support whoever is in Parliament.

“He always changes his decisions. Sadly, I don’t see Zahid’s game plan for the pandemic. We were ordered against supporting the government and Muhyiddin.

“What happens after that? Are we back to being part of the opposition? Are we to allow a non-Muslim to govern Islam? Or are we to support Anwar as we know of the duo’s close relationship?”

Idris also slammed Zahid for saying that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is his “teacher” and has signed a statutory declaration (SD) in secret in support of Anwar.

“We have to be more cautious in making decisions for the sake of Umno’s longevity.

“We are better off with the government and Muhyiddin. This government is not without fault, but by supporting it, we will avoid a catastrophe. 

“I call for solidarity among Umno members.”

Yesterday, Umno’s Maran MP Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib expressed support for Muhyiddin’s leadership, despite the party’s decision to sever political ties with the prime minister and Perikatan Nasional government.

Ismail, who is the deputy housing and local government minister, expressed his support in a letter issued to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today.

He also shared the letter in a Facebook post, saying his move to back the prime minister and current government is due to “trust and responsibility towards race, religion and country”.

“As deputy housing and local government minister, I will continue to implement and serve as best as I can with cleanliness, efficiency, honesty and trustworthiness for the people, race, religion and country.”

His statement comes as Umno president Zahid told The Vibes that the party has a significant number of SDs that will prove the government has collapsed.

He also warned party vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob of “consequences”, after the latter accompanied Muhyiddin during a live telecast of the prime minister’s special address earlier yesterday. – The Vibes, August 5, 2021