Umno vice president Shafie Apdal today spoke up in defence of deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, amid speculation that the Umno supreme council would move against the party number two tomorrow.

Shafie said Muhyiddin, who has been sidelined since he was sacked as deputy premier last year, had criticised party president Najib Abdul Razak but not to undermine Umno.

“Criticism by Umno grassroots and leaders is merely to strengthen the party and government.

"The party and government no longer capture the hearts and minds of the people, and only reign in the hearts of Umno top leadership. […]

“Yes, I love the party but my love for the nation surpasses all. Sovereignty and prosperity of nation far surpasses the interests of any individual,” he said in a statement.

Umno supreme council member Nazri Abdul Aziz this week said he would move a motion at the meeting tomorrow, to send Muhyiddin to the disciplinary committee over his anti-Najib statements.

He said Muhyiddin should be suspended as deputy president as he is like a pesky dog nipping at Umno’s ankles, making it difficult for the party to fulfil its obligations.

Several Umno supreme council members contacted by Malaysiakini, however, declined to comment on whether they would back Nazri’s proposal, citing “sensitivity”.

Muhyiddin’s fate might soon also befall Shafie, who was also dropped from cabinet last year. Both retained their elected positions in Umno.

However, Shafie said ousting Muhyiddin from Umno would not strengthen party or the government.

“It may only strengthen certain leaders,” he said.

As such, he urged party leaders to “be bold in voicing their views” despite risk of losing their positions.

“It is a bitter thing to swallow, but I am sure it would be an antidote in our struggle,” he said.