Nobody has the right to pressure Muhyiddin Yassin to relinquish his Umno deputy president post, said Syed Ali Alhabshee.

The Cheras Umno division leader reminded all quarters that Muhyiddin was elected by the Umno grassroots.

"We cannot sideline him (Muhyiddin), he is still our deputy president. 

"I hope everyone is open minded on this matter," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak yesterday dropped Muhyiddin as deputy prime minister over his criticism against 1MDB.

Muhyiddin, while officiating the Cheras Umno division annual general assembly last Sunday, had lamented that Najib ignored his advice over how to resolve the 1MDB issue.

'Muhyiddin did it for Umno'

Commenting on the incident, Syed Ali said Muhyiddin merely intended to defend his party by voicing his concerns.

He added that Muhyiddin did not make any negative remarks against Najib such as asking him to step down.

"I'm not trying to defend Muhyiddin but his intention was merely to defend th party. I was there and I heard him," said Syed Ali.

Syed Ali said he also regretted criticism against him for visiting Muhyiddin's home yesterday after the Umno deputy president was dropped from the government.

"Can't I visit the Umno deputy president? Having been dropped as deputy prime minister, should everyone distance themselves and abandon him? That is not fair.

"Muhyiddin had contributed to the party," he said.

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