PAGOH, July 31 — Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today said that as Umno deputy president, he will remain loyal to the party’s president, according to a report by The Star Online.

“According to the Umno constitution, a deputy president must be loyal to the president and I will continue to uphold it,” he said after performing Friday and special prayers at Masjid Jamek Panchor, as quoted by the English daily.

He also said that despite being dropped from the Cabinet in the recent reshuffle, he would not betray the party and wants certain quarters to stop convincing him to switch camps.

The Star quoted Muhyiddin as saying, “I have served as a wakil rakyat for the past 37 years and had held various posts including parliament secretary and even as Johor mentri besar before being appointed as minister,” he said.

“Now I believe my political career has come full circle but I will continue to serve my constituency for the people in Pagoh.”

He added, “A good leader must perform his duty for the benefit of the rakyat and must not be afraid to voice out as a reminder to what the party struggle for.

He also voiced his worry that Umno may lose in the next general election as the rakyat may opt not to support the party.

“We should pray that the party leadership will receive guidance from the Almighty to ensure the rakyat would continue to support Umno,” he said.