- Bernama
SEPANG: It was no ordinary homecoming for the country's number two.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin returned to Malaysia from a brief holiday to Australia Tuesday night, amid a frenzy concerning the ultimatum recently issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during a Cabinet meeting, asking members to "stand by him or resign" over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) financial situation.
Muhyiddin was greeted by some 100 ardent supporters when he arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at approximately 9pm.
The Umno deputy president did not entertain the barrage of questions directed at him, and was whisked away by police officers to his waiting car amid vociferous support from his supporters.
"Hidup Tan Sri" and "Selamatkan Malaysia (Save Malaysia)" were among the cries of support heard as Muhyiddin's vehicle left the terminal.
Muhyiddin appeared relaxed as he exited the VIP lounge and had a smile on his face.
He merely said "good" when asked how his trip went and how he felt about coming back home.
His return had therefore been hotly anticipated, with several blogs urging supporters to show up in large numbers at KLIA to welcome him back.
Shahrulnizam Shaharuddin, a Kuala Langat Umno division member, said the gathering was just a "welcoming party" with no ulterior motives.
"We are just here to show our support to the Deputy Prime Minister, and to display a united front as there are certain groups trying to break us up," he said without specifying which groups he meant.
Muhyiddin has been a vocal critic of 1MDB, and at an Umno retreat in Janda Baik recently, demanded that Najib sack the state investment arm's entire board of directors.
During the Cabinet meeting last Friday, which Muhyiddin and two other ministers were absent from, Najib had called on his ministers to either "stand by him or resign".
