Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin has chided Umno over claims that he is losing influence in his own constituency.

He claimed that he is still well-received among his constituents, but said it would be good if Umno assumes that he is not a threat.

“I think the people in Pagoh know me. They are not like people in some places who show their displeasure (towards Umno) through street demonstrations, but they are people who know and understand.

“This is evident when I founded the Pagoh Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and the reception was extraordinary. When I go meet the people, the reception was as usual.

“So it’s okay that Umno assumes that I have no supporters. It’s good. Let them be comforted by their sweet dreams, which have no basis in reality,” he told a press conference in Johor Baru today.

He was speaking to reporters after chairing Johor Pakatan Harapan leadership’s first meeting.

Muhyiddin - who had been Pagoh MP since 1978 and was Pagoh Umno division chief until he sacked June last year - was asked to comment on speeches at Pagoh Umno’s divisional meeting on Aug 12 suggesting that Muhyiddin’s influence is waning.

In response, Muhyiddin countered that his contributions to Pagoh would not be forgotten, and his constituents would know who to choose in the coming general election.

However, Bersatu deputy chief was coy when asked whether he would be defending his seat, and when asked whether he would be contesting for a state seat.

He said the matter would be decided by Pakatan’s national leadership.