'No reason for me to topple government' - Muhyiddin

Former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has denied allegations that he intended to topple the ruling Government when he held the number two post in the ruling party since 2009.

"I was the UMNO Deputy President, why would I do anything to overthrow the government?" he said in his speech while officiating the Kluang UMNO delegates’ meeting at Pekan Baru, Kluang, here on Sunday.

He also defended his actions in raising the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) case and only wanted to extend his advice and views in a bid to strengthen the party - the backbone of the country’s administration.

Muhyiddin stressed, he had no problems with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and even carried out all instructions handed to him without question – except issues relating to 1MDB.

"If I kept silent on big issues I would be deemed irresponsible, so I voiced out my opinion.

"It might not be accepted but it was my right (to speak)," Muhyiddin stressed.

The meeting was the first that he officiated since being dropped from the Cabinet.

Last week, Najib announced that Muhyiddin was dropped from the new Cabinet lineup and replaced by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the Deputy Prime Minister.

While making the announcement , Najib said he was open to differing views but such opinions should not be expressed out in open forums that could tarnish the public's image towards the government and nation.

Najib, in a live media conference from the Prime Minister's Office said the decision was made to ensure his administration remains committed.