'I was with Najib all the way, except on 1MDB' - Muhyiddin

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said throughout his service as the Deputy Prime Minister, he had always supported the government policies and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership.

However, he said it was only on the matter of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that he had differences with Najib.

“Except for 1MDB, I have my own principles and stand in protecting the people’s rights, the party’s name and national interest,” he said in a statement, hours after he was dropped from the Cabinet.

“If my stand on the issue the reason for me to be dropped from the Cabinet, then I accept,” he added.

He thanked Najib for giving him the opportunity to serve the country as the Deputy Prime Minister from April 10, 2009.

Najib today announced Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the new Deputy Prime Minister.

Najib, in a live media conference from the Prime Minister's Office here, said the decision was made to ensure his administration remains committed.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin also thanked all department heads, government officials, leaders of NGOs and all quarters who have worked with him.

Muhyiddin said he also accepted Najib’s decision to drop him from the Cabinet with open heart.

“I respect the Prime Minister’s prerogative to appoint or drop any Cabinet member,” he added in the statement.

Muhyiddin said he will continue to remain loyal to UMNO.