Sacked Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin remains a well-respected figure among Umno Pagoh members, but his move to set up splinter Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has caused split opinions.

Some Pagoh Umno members are prepared to jump ship as soon as Bersatu is officially registered, but many more disapproved turning on Umno or worse, working with DAP.

Pagoh Umno held its first annual delegates' meeting yesterday without the presence of Muhyiddin, who had led the division for 32 years.

Malaysiakini spoke to some of those present to gauge the sentiments.

Pagoh Umno committee member Mohd Noh Abdullah said while he respected Muhyiddin, the line was drawn when a new party was set up to oppose Umno.

"When a new party is set up, one that is against Umno, I cannot support it.

"We truly respect Muhyiddin but now he is standing with the opposition, DAP, Lim Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang and Mohamad Sabu.

"It raises questions in our hearts. What has happened to past promises that we cannot stand with DAP and the opposition?" he told Malaysiakini.

Meanwhile, Pagoh Umno Wanita committee member Jamilah Abdul Hamid (photo) said they still "loved" Muhyiddin even though he was now on a different path and they could not follow him.

However, Jamilah admitted that there are rumours that some are prepared to join Bersatu.

"I don't deny that there will be those who will join him, but they will not be more than 50 percent," she said.

Hands tied

For the majority of other Umno members, Jamilah said their hands were tied.

"We respect Muhyiddin's decision and we acknowledge that politicians need a platform. Even though we respect him, we cannot follow him.

"We don't deny we love Muhyiddin and appreciate all that he had done, but we are constrained from being with him (if he sets up a new party)," she said.

Kampung Sebasu Umno branch deputy chief, Salim Wagiman, admitted that some members were preparing to join Bersatu.

"But it’s only a few and there will not be much impact," he said.

Muzammil Ali, another Pagoh Umno committee member, denied that the division was split after Muhyiddin's sacking.

"He is a fighter to us and we remember his contributions but in our hearts, we are a little slighted (as he is now fighting Umno) but Umno's struggle continues.

"Muhyiddin has chosen his path and we accept his decision," he said.

However, Muzammli refused to comment on Bersatu, stating that it was premature as the party has yet to be officially registered.

Muhyiddin was first removed as deputy prime minister in July last year before being sacked from the party almost a year later.

He had been critical of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's handling of 1MDB and the multi-billion deposits in his personal bank accounts.

Najib has denied all wrongdoing and said he had never taken public funds for personal gain.

Earlier this month, Muhyiddin sought to register Bersatu, and if it is approved, he will become the party's president, while former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will be the chairperson.