Johor Umno's Pontian division will continue to defend Muhyiddin Yassin's status as the party's deputy president even though he has been sacked from the cabinet.

"The prime minister's decision (to sack Muhyiddin) has damaged Muhyiddin's credibility (but) we will (still) uphold and defend his status so that he remains a respected leader," Pontian Umno division chief Hasni Mohammad told Malaysiakini today.