Muhyiddin Yassin was suspended as Umno deputy president as his boss Najib Abdul Razak began to fear his influence in the party, said Gerakan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia (GKCM).

“Najib is worried about Muhyiddin's influence in the party. The community and Umno members have rejected Najib,” said GKCM president Kamarulazman Habibur Rahman.

That was also the real reason why Najib postponed the party elections, he told Malaysiakini .

According to him, Muhyiddin's suspension was also goaded by Umno warlords, all of whom were clamouring to be next-in-line for the post.

“They know the party president is going down so they are ready to replace the prime minister in case anything happens to the president.

“Love in the party is very brief. There is no leader in Umno except greedy people who crave power,” he claimed.

Kamarulazman claimed speculation was rife that Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was already in the picture to replace Najib, but another faction wanted the other party vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein as the successor.

There would be infighting in the party, he predicted.

'Umno stuck in a well'

“There needs to be a major reform in the party. We should get rid of the old attitude; we should not fear our leaders and glorify the dishonest ones.

“We are going to tell the Malays in the party that the political scenario has changed. (Even the) political scenario worldwide has changed.

“So, if the Malays carry on with what they are doing now, they will be left behind and people will look at them as fools.

“Quote me on this: When people are talking about a world without borders, Umno will still be stuck in a well (because) they just refuse to change,” he added.

Though he has not spoken with Muhyiddin about the latest development, Kamarulazman said they have discussed this issue before.

“Muhyiddin is overseas. I did not speak with him (over his suspension by Umno) today.

“He has said there was no reason to suspend him for telling the truth. I asked him about the (suspension) rumours. He said, 'Why is that so? I have done nothing wrong. Is telling the truth a wrongdoing now?',” he said.

According to him, Muhyiddin's advice for Najib to take leave during the probe was the party number two merely performing his duty to assist the party president.

The suggested hiatus can be done to address critics who have been demanding for Najib to step down; the prime minister could come back once he is cleared, Kamarulazman added.