“Najib has removed the main person who could mount a challenge for his leadership”, said Oh Ei Sun, an analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of worldwide Studies in Singapore and Najib’s political secretary from 2009 to 2011.
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“There’s no doubt that he is unable to answer the questions surrounding 1MDB”.
The Malaysian prime minister is under pressure over recent revelations that $700 million were transferred to his personal bank accounts from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund.
Mr Najib, who has claimed the attack against him is politically motivated, has not disputed the existence of the accounts or the receipt of the funds but has insisted he never used government funds for personal gain.
The Wall Street Journal reported that funds were allegedly siphoned off by Najib and close relatives.
The shocking announcement by Najib that Muhyiddin had been dropped from the Cabinet came soon after that meeting. “I welcome vigorous debate, and can accept dissent and criticism”. “However, this process should take place in cabinet as part of the decision-making process”.
In a hastily-arranged change to the official schedule, Mr Cameron’s national security adviser Sir Kim Darroch met Anwar’s daughter for more than half an hour.
“In Malay political culture they like a strong leader, somebody who asserts his power”, Chin said.
“The worry now is that he will fight back”.
Muhyiddin said later he accepted Najib’s decision with an open heart, while maintaining his view on 1MDB.
Here, Muhyiddin related how Najib seemed to have a hard time telling him how he was not included in the new Cabinet line-up, and how the matter was conveyed in very few words.
Sacked deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, considered as one of fiercest critics of Najib, said the prime minister fired him with just a nod.
It is unclear when the video was shot, but The Star reported that Muhyiddin had hosted guests in his home on Tuesday after his removal as Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Shafie Apdal also lost his position in the reshuffle.
The Prime Minister also did his bit to boost exports of British ales, telling his audience: “I know that we are standing in the world’s third fastest-growing beer market, so let me tell you that we have some pretty good brews down our way as well”.
“It is to ensure that the administration under me remains committed, always focused on efforts to develop the country as has been promised by the Barisan Nasional Government to the people during the 13th general election”, Najib added.
When asked whether he had confidence the 1MDB issue would eventually be resolved, Muhyiddin said, “Yes, because the probe has begun, and the AG’s office and PAC are also investigating”.
Legal activist group Lawyers for Liberty said removing the attorney-general “is shocking to say the least, and can only fuel public suspicion of interference” in the investigations.
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Gani was replaced by a Federal Court judge, Mohamed Apandi Ali, months before the attorney general had been due to retire in October.
