Thoughts of a peaceful, sweet-scented afterlife weigh heavily on Umno vice-president Shafie Apdal, who says he continues to speak up on issues because he doesn't want those he serves to desecrate his grave by urinating on it.

"I'm an elected representative. I'm not representing myself or else I'll keep my mouth shut and keep my position. But I can't keep quiet because the people have many questions.

"I don't want it to be that when I die, my grave is urinated upon. (I don't want them to say) 'what kind of Semporna MP is this guy? He doesn't even do anything for his people or the country'," Shafie said in an interview at his office in Mont Kiara yesterday.

He said this when asked whether he was teaming up with Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad because he was upset about losing his position in government.

Both Shafie and Muhyiddin were axed from the cabinet in late July this year for criticising Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's brainchild, 1MDB, and its mounting debts.

T​he former rural and regional development minister said he was not upset about being given the boot as the prime minister has the right to decide who sits in his cabinet.

However, Shafie said he, too, had a right, as an Umno vice-president, to continue voicing out his opinions on issues of the people.

And he plans to speak even more during the Umno annual general assembly beginning today.

Ridiculous arrangement

"I've heard there will be discussions (at the Umno supreme council meeting today) on whether or not there will be (winding-up) speeches.

"The Wanita, Puteri and Youth wings are going to ask to speak, and so will I," he said.

Currently, only Najib, as party president, is slated to give a winding-up speech, an arrangement that Shafie described as ridiculous.

"There will be many issues raised during the AGM, from the economy to religion. Will Najib answer all of them?" he asked.

However, Shafie remained tight-lipped on what he will speak on if given a chance.

"You'll just have to wait and see." he added.​

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