Being axed from his post has turned Muhyiddin Yassin into a celebrity amongst the Chinese community.

"I feel like a celebrity now. Like a popular Chinese singer. Everywhere I go, people say 'Tan Sri, wa sokong lu ' (I support you Tan Sri).

"When I ask them why, they say it is because I am brave," he said during a function with the Chinese community in Pagoh today.

Muhyiddin was dropped as deputy premier in late July due to his criticism of 1MDB, which is the brainchild of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"I know the Chinese, Indians, and Malays all have values.

“If they see someone who is brave to speak out, speaks the truth, that person will be well-liked. We have to speak bravely," he said to loud applause.

The Pagoh MP then said he would continue to speak up as long as he is an elected representative and an Umno leader.

Muhyiddin said since turning 68, he does not fear anything, which is why he always speaks the truth for the people.

"Being axed for speaking the truth is fine. This life isn't just about positions. I don't have a position now and I'm still popular.

"We have to speak the truth since we are in a parliamentary democracy. We don't use rifles to shoot, we use the democratic system to voice out and be brave. Don't keep silent.

"I have to speak up, not for myself, but for all the people," he added.

Related reports

Muhyiddin: Leaders try to be heroes by using race card

Umno is using Malays to scare others

Analysts: Red shirts failed to achieve all their aims

Red shirts’ objective is to spook the Chinese

Red shirt rally - Umno the biggest losers

'Whether you steal chickens or money, bad people get caught'

Muhyiddin: Leaders try to be heroes by using race card