Cover image via Malaysia Chronicle/SAYS
Ever since he was unceremoniously kicked out of the ministry in a sudden cabinet reshuffle, ex-deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has found a new-found passion for speaking about democracy and questioning leaders
This whole episode started after the former deputy prime minister broke his silence on the 1MDB scandal that allegedly involves Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Following that, the formerly diplomatic DPM has been making headlines about his willingness to speak up for the people and seek [answers](http://says.com/my/news/reactions-and-questions-to-najib-s-rm2-6-billion-donations) to many ongoing [scandals](http://says.com/my/news/now-fbi-opens-money-laundering-investigation-on-1mdb-here-are-the-facts-so-far) and issues in the country.
Following that trend, at a gathering to show solidarity for Muhyiddin, yesterday, the ex-DPM said seven thought-provoking things about the fate of UMNO, its president, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and democracy in Malaysia:
According to Malaysiakini, the gathering that saw around 1000 Muhyiddin supporters coming together, including local BN coalition branch leaders and members, was held in Pagoh, yesterday.
Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the pro-Muhyiddin gathering in Pagoh, yesterday
Image via Malaysiakini
1. Only 30% of the Malay community support UMNO, says Muhyiddin
The infamous, racially-slanted, "red shirts" rally that saw a large group of people pledging support for UMNO and government
Image via The Malaysian Insider
2. The ex-DPM also revealed that the survey by the Merdeka Center states that 17% of Malaysians are content with the current economic state of the country
Image via The Malaysian Insider
3. The Chinese community's support for the government has reduced to a meager 5%, currently, compared to the 13% during the 2013 General Elections
The pro-government "red shirts" rally also saw the protestors carrying racially-charged materials
Image via Malaysiakini
Image via Malaysiakini/Facebook
4. "You (Najib) are the person responsible, who created this problem. How long should I remain silent on this?," questioned Muhyiddin.
5. "I am aware of my actions and my speech may anger someone but I will continue to speak up for the people and in the interest of the nation," said Muhyiddin, warning that UMNO should not ignore his contributions (to the party and country) for the past 36 years
6. "Do you want to see me wrestle with him (Najib)? There is no party election, and if there is I may also want to try my luck."
7. Talking about democracy and freedom of speech, the sacked DPM said that, "it is as if we are living in a police state. If it is not enough to undermine government institutions, the institutions in the party are also being weakened by undermining its democracy."
Meanwhile, UMNO Pagoh branch leader Samad Ariffin wonders why questioning a leader is considered an offence
The outspoken former DPM also said that Malaysians abroad are ashamed of the country because of the controversial 1MDB scandal
Image via The Malaysian Insider
This sudden gathering is a week ahead of the UMNO General Assembly that is set to be held from 8 to 12 December.
This year's general assembly will see a new tradition that no longer includes the decades old tradition of the party's deputy president, currently Muhyiddin, officiating the assemblies.
The debt-ridden state fund, 1MDB was the spark that started all these sudden changes in the ministry and UMNO.
To help you better understand the complicated 1MDB scandal, watch these short videos by Wall Street Journal (WSJ):
