Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was not present at a special meeting for cabinet ministers at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, which reportedly ended at midnight.

A source close to Muhyiddin told Malaysiakini this was because the deputy prime minister could not make it in time due to arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from an overseas trip at 8.45pm.

"The deputy prime minister was aware of the meeting but could not attend as he landed late," he said.

Asked what the meeting was about, the source claimed it was a special briefing on 1MDB by Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah ( photo ).

"I don't know the details, but we were informed that the meeting was regarding the firm,"

he added.

However, Husni, according to StarTV , denied the meeting concerned the debt-laden 1MDB, saying it was about other matters such as the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).

"No, no, no, we didn't discuss (1MDB)," he had said when quizzed.

At least 16 ministers were spotted at the venue , where Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak also attended a function last night, but none were willing to comment.

'We did not rally people'

Meanwhile, the source also claimed that Muhyiddin's camp did not rally people to come to the airport contrary to speculation that a " big reception " was being organised as the number two was poised to make an announcement that would escalate the turmoil in Umno.

"There was no such thing. The people who turned up are the ones who usually come when the number two returns from a trip.

"The only difference last night was the large presence of the media," he said.

As for reports that an officer from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office sent out text messages on this, the source described it as normal procedure.

 

"Such text messages are often sent to friends and supporters," he explained.

Scores gathered at the airport and chanted "Selamatkan Malaysia (Save Malaysia)" as Muhyiddin emerged.

The deputy prime minister, however, chose to remain tightlipped on the queries from journalists, which included Najib's call for ministers who disagree with 1MDB to resign.

The prime minister issued the ultimatum during last Friday's cabinet meeting, which Muhyiddin did not attend as he was on leave since May 26.

Muhyiddin has on several occasions appeared to have broken ranks with his boss over the 1MDB quagmire.

The latest was his speech at a closed-door Umno event where he called on 1MDB directors to be sacked and investigated.

Muhyiddin also lamented that when he informed Najib of this, nothing transpired.

A video of the speech was leaked just as the prime minister tabled the 11MP in the Dewan Rakyat on May 21.

Although Muhyiddin has been vague with regard to Najib's position, speculation has been rife that he has joined hands with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has been calling for the prime minister's head to roll.

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