Muhyiddin Offers To Be Mediator In Terengganu Political Crisis

HULU TERENGGANU, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Umno Deputy President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today offered himself to be a mediator in trying to solve the Terengganu political crisis that has persisted since the March 2008 general election.
Muhyiddin who is also Deputy Prime Minister said he was ready to meet Umno leaders who are involved in the crisis because he believed the problem was not a personal issue.
He said over the past few months, Umno Terengganu liaison chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and his deputy Datuk Ahmad Said who is also the Menteri Besar, had initiated various efforts to rectify the situation.
"I see an improvement in the situation compared with before but I want to offer my help to try and solve any issues together with Hishammuddin or the Menteri Besar.
"Be it a political issue or a government issue, I am willing to help...after Hari Raya Puasa or any other time," he told reporters after meeting Terengganu Umno leaders at the Hulu Terengganu Umno division office here Thursday.
Admitting that an internal crisis existed in Terengganu, Muhyiddin said the problem need to be solved immediately so that it would not affect the support of Umno members in the coming general elections.
Since Terengganu was regarded as an Umno stronghold after the last general election, the relationship between leaders and the party (Umno) must be strengthened.
"I do not see it as a problem that cannot be solved. All issues raised, involves relationship between us...not somebody from outside is creating such problems.
"I feel Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) must be strong and united...Terengganu is an important state for us and I want to see it remain that way. That is why the status of politics and party must be given attention," he said.
At the same time, I do not see any elected representatives of BN Terengganu deserting the party because they are leaders who love the party and willing to work hard to strengthen the party, he said.
Muhyiddin believes the crisis was because some leaders were not happy with a number of issues involving the state Umno.
The crisis in Terengganu started when Ahmad was appointed Terengganu Menteri Besar, replacing Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, after the general election.
Subsequently, a number of BN state assemblymen decided to boycott Ahmad's leadership as Menteri Besar by not attending the state legislative assembly on April 10.
Despite his presence, a majority of BN elected representatives did not turn up to meet Muhyiddin at the Hulu Terengganu Umno Division office.

tunku : things are getting out of control with umno in trengganu.it looks like both side are full of ego and not in compromising mood.hishammuddin too has failed as terengganu umno liaison chief.it is high time for the big boss or his deputy to step in before it's too late.