Muhyiddin Yassin's decision to remain in Umno is a slap in terms of morale for Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former minister Zainuddin Maidin said today.

However, Zainuddin said, the decision could be based on a different strategy.

"Certainly this decision (by Muhyiddin) will disappoint Mahathir because Muhyddin did not follow in his footsteps.

"On the other hand, Muhyiddin perhaps feels it is better to remain in Umno because he will have a chance to challenge the leadership in the next party elections," he told Malaysiakini .

Furthermore, he said, Muhyiddin's decision would give an edge to those wanting to remove Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"They will struggle from two different angles to remove him. Mahathir from the outside of Umno and Muhyiddin from within," he added.

Muhyiddin, he added, could challenge the Umno leadership by contesting the post of Umno president.

“If he quits the party, he can no longer challenge the leadership in Umno,” Zainuddin added.

Muhyiddin was suspended from his Umno deputy president’s post for his continued criticisms against Najib.

Mahathir, who has emerged as Najib’s number one critic, announced his decision to quit Umno last Monday, as a symbol of protest against the party president and prime minister.

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