'It was no gimmick', says Muhyiddin on decision to defend presidency

SHAH ALAM - Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin vehemently denied claims that his recent announcement of not defending his presidency in the upcoming party poll was a mere gimmick.

The Bersatu president made an about-turn by saying he was defending his post in the next party election, a day after saying that he did not want to.

Instead, he, who is also the Pagoh Member of Parliament, affirmed that the decision to continue contesting for the position was made after receiving approval from his wife, Puan Seri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.

Muhyiddin, Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman added that the u-turn was due to strong urge from the party's Supreme Working Council and members who wanted him to remain as president.

"Gimmick? You try asking other friends: Is this action a gimmick? I'm not joking. If you sit up there and listen, this is not just a gimmick.

"Not child's play. That (the desire not to retain the position) is my statement," he said at a press conference after postponing the Annual General Assembly of Bersatu 2023 today.

Muhyiddin made a U-turn today when he agreed to retain the position of president after receiving Noorainee's approval to continue leading the party.

Furthermore, he wants all party members to be steadfast and loyal to him, thereby supporting the party to seize power in the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16).