Two Johor Umno Youth division chiefs quit posts, say Muhyiddin's Cabinet removal a 'betrayal to race, religion, party'

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — Two Umno Youth leaders from Johor resigned today after accusing Datuk Seri Najib Razak of betrayal for the removal of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as deputy prime minister, according to Malaysiakini.

Asrul Esreen Mohd Salleh and Saiful Zakry Ripin were both committee members from the Tenggara Umno Youth division in Muhyiddin's home state.

Esreen said he quit because the top leadership has veered farm from the original struggle of Umno and the majority of the decisions made do not favour the masses, according to a statement to the online portal.

He added, “The sacking of Muhyiddin from Cabinet also shows that those who speak the truth will be pruned and those who defend the people will be expelled.”

He also criticised the prime minister’s decision to appoint four members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), including PAC chief Nur Jazland Mohamed, into the Cabinet.

He said, “This should not happen when investigation (by PAC) on 1MDB is still ongoing.

“What has happened seems obvious to the rakyat, like myself, who feel this is a betrayal to race, religion and party.”

“This should not happen when investigation (by PAC) on 1MDB is still ongoing.

“What has happened seems obvious to the rakyat, like myself, who feel this is a betrayal to race, religion and party,” he said.

“This is not in line with my struggle or that of past leaders,” he added, saying that the current leadership is deaf to the complaints of the rakyat.

“When your country is rich but there are people struggling and in poverty, know that there are robbers stealing from the nation,” Esreen said, quoting the words of a leader he did not name, and added “pemimpin yang merompak duit rakyat” (Translation: leaders who steal people’s money) at the end of the quote.

Fellow Umno and Youth Committee member Saiful said that he was ashamed over the actions of some leaders, according to Malaysiakini.

“I also feel embarrassed when answering questions from the grassroots regarding this action,” he said.

In a hastily-convened press conference in Putrajaya on Tuesday, Najib confirmed rumours that Muhyiddin will be replaced by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, after Muhyiddin’s criticism against Najib’s handling of 1MDB.