Any attempt by the opposition to join force with ousted former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin to cast votes of no confidence against Prime Minister Najib Razak would be an exercise in futility.

"The opposition is an opportunist. With the status of Muhyiddin, they think this is their opportunity.

"But I don't think Muhyiddin will work with them. He is a party man and loyal to party," BN Backbenchers Council (BNBBC) deputy president Bung Moktar Radin ( photo ) said.

The Kinabatangan MP is also confident that all the BN colleagues will not betray Najib.

Even though Muhyiddin had fallen out with Najib, Bung Moktar said Umno can still overcome the problems they are facing as it has survived many similar incidents before.

"I hope Muhyiddin can calm down. I hope he will not turn against Najib," he said, adding that being the party's number two man, Muhyiddin still has a role to play.

Bung Moktar admitted that although the incident may split Umno, the party still have time to do damage control before the next general elections.

Following the cabinet reshuffle, Najib's Facebook was flooded with netizens calling for him to step down.

However, Bung Moktar said: "This is not new, this has happened for a long time. We are trying to to work out what is best for the party."

Some criticism on Najib understandable

He said some of the criticism by Umno leaders against Najib are understandable as they feared the party may not survive the next general elections.

"We still have time to minimise the damage, to explain to the grassroots, soothe their emotions and regain their confidence," he said.

Johor assembly speaker Mohamad Aziz ( photo ) lambasted Najib and claimed his decision will destroy the party.

To a question if the last resort is for Najib to step down if BN fails to persuade the rakyat, he said nobody has the prerogative to ask Najib to leave.

"This will depend on Najib. I think he will try to do what is the best for the party," he said.

The removal of Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, who led the special task force into 1MDB, the appointment of four members of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as minister and deputy ministers, as well as removal of Muhyiddin, has been seen as Najib trying to cripple 1MDB probe.

Bung Moktar, however, disagreed with the allegation and such theory.

"That is just the perception. This may be coincidence.

"It is Najib's right, nobody can question and challenge that. We have to accept that. This is inside our system and the Federal Constitution," he said.

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