Unlike a similar scenario which unfolded in 1998, which witnessed Anwar Ibrahim metamorphosing into a street fighter after his unceremonious dismissal, Muhyiddin Yassin has barely flexed his muscles.

Apart from dropping veiled criticisms during his talks and in his statements, the Umno veteran has not exhibited the bravado which some in Umno have, including axed Wanita leaders Anina Saadudin and Hamidah Osman.

His perceived meekness even prompted a PAS leader to tell him to stop playing the victim, and add more grunt into his campaign.

Muhyiddin seems reluctant to emerge from the shadow of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who even at the age of 90, continues to be the general leading the assault.

Last week, the Umno deputy president complained of how he was being barred from addressing the Umno delegates and is being reduced to a "tree stump".

At 8pm, Muhyiddin would be delivering a talk at the Kelab Sultan Sulaiman in Kuala Lumpur as Umno prepares to kick-start its three-day general assembly tomorrow.

The stage is set, the chairs have been arranged and the backdrop depicts an image of Muhyiddin delivering a speech with his arm raised.

Would this be the turning point?

Would the former deputy premier open fire or continue to keep the safety latch on?