KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim has denied that there are plans to oust Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
"I have not come across such plans. The Umno divisions in Perlis fully support the Umno leadership and the government," he said.
Shahidan was asked by reporters in Parliament to respond to claims by Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos stating that many Umno division chiefs were planning to remove Muhyiddin.
"He should inform the party if he has proof to back his claims," said Shahidan who also expressed his displeasure over Jamal's past actions of organising rallies.
"Umno is not a party of gangsters. We champion our faith, race and country," he said.
Shahidan was also asked why the Umno supreme council meeting scheduled to be held this Friday was postponed.
Rumours were rife that the postponements were done as an effort to isolate Muhyiddin.
Shahidan said the postponements were not linked to such allegations.
On a different matter, Shahidan welcomed 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy’s statement last night clarifying that the company had nothing to hide.
"It is very good. Now they can settle it with the Public Accounts Committee. No one should doubt them," said Shahidan.