KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — The Umno political bureau, in a meeting chaired by Datuk Seri Naib Razak, agreed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remains deputy president as he was democratically elected. 

A party source said the hour-long meeting yesterday was attended by all state liaison chiefs, most of whom are menteris besar. 

Muhyiddin’s position became suspect after Najib dropped him from the Cabinet on Tuesday and made Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi deputy prime minister.

“No one is stopped from inviting Muhyiddin for party meetings and events. The state liaison chiefs are expected to relay this message to their grassroots,” the source said. 

He added Najib had explained why he had replaced Muhyiddin with all those present agreeing the appointment of Cabinet members was Najib’s prerogative. 

According to the source, the leaders also expressed their concern the image of the government was becoming tainted because of the controversy surrounding 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). 

“It was agreed Najib will explain the situation after the task force (set up to investigate IMDB) has completed its investigation and tabled their findings.”

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said it cannot divulge any findings as it may compromise the investigation.

Newly-appointed Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali said his office has already issued media statements with “general updates” on the probe.

“Regardless of those general updates, given that investigations are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to divulge details that may compromise those investigations,” Apandi said in a statement.

“More specifically it would not be appropriate to disclose the advice, instructions, directions or guidance given to the investigating agencies.”