Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin today called on party members to speak out on the rakyat's grouses and stand up for what is right, without fearing retribution from the party.

Muhyiddin said Umno members should be using the platform they have to demand the truth and ask the top leadership to explain, citing himself as an example.

"I don’t want to instigate or provoke. They are aware. Umno has a certain culture and our respect. Because we are Malays, we tend to supersede our feelings, despite many issues and problems now amassing.

"What I'm asking is to be a bit more open... you can go through many platforms, divisional meetings. There are many ways to express and do not be fearful of consequences if you are doing the right thing.

"In Islam, we must say what is right and we cannot protect wrongdoing. That should be the guiding principle," Muhyiddin told a press conference.

Muhyiddin today came out with former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad, party veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Umno vice-president Shafie Apdal ( photo ) to criticise the use of Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) on Umno man Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer Matthias Chang, who were both today charged with attempting to sabotage the country's banking and financial services.

They issued a joint press statement that was also signed by former Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Junid and former MCA presidents Ong Tee Keat and Dr Ling Liong Sik. Ling was not at the press conference.

'Use Umno AGM as platform'

With the Umno annual general assembly coming up in December, Muhyiddin urged party members to use it as a platform to express their opinions.

He said all the leaders will be there to listen and even give speeches to talk about the issues that affect the grassroots. He added Umno leaders from all walks of life have met him as well on this.

"I think a lot of people have voiced their concerns regarding the state of the nation […] serious issues need to be addressed and cannot be brushed aside, if you are seriously fighting for the interests of the nation.

"I think as much as we are part of that team, there must be some within the party to take the role of giving advice, act as check and balance. Umno cannot be seen as unconcerned on these issues."

Muhyiddin, who was sacked as deputy prime minister in July for voicing out his concerns, also called the people to stand with them as he knew that the majority felt the same way on what was happening in the country.

Will not work with opposition

When asked about whether the group will meet with the opposition to seek their help to remove Najib, Muhyiddin said 'no'.

He said he still believed in Umno to lead the country.

"I don’t want to talk about opposition pact. I know they have their own people as well. I don’t want to elaborate on that itself.

"I want to feel that there is some hope. That hope will come out sooner or later if people will come out to speak up," he said.

Sanusi (photo) admitted they have their work cut out and that they still want to preserve Umno but need to oust Najib.

"We want Najib out but Umno and BN to win. If we want Umno and Najib out together, it would be easy," he said.

KENYATAAN MEDIA BERSAMA Penahanan peguam Matthias Chang dan sebelum ini anak guamnya Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan...

Posted by Muhyiddin Yassin on Sunday, October 11, 2015