Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak today maintained that the suspension of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was done in accordance with procedures.

Commenting on Muhyiddin's statement today objecting to the council’s decision last Friday, the Communications and Multimedia Minister said the former deputy prime minister has the rights to object.

"The council has followed all the procedure in his suspension because he could not carry out his duty to assist the party president run the party,” he told Astro AWANI.

"He has failed in his duties," he added.



Salleh also welcomed Muhyiddin's decision to remain in UMNO instead of following the steps of former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who announced that he was leaving UMNO on Monday.

READ: Tun Mahathir and wife quit UMNO

READ: Is Najib above the law, Muhyiddin questions

Salleh said as a party member, Muhyiddin has the rights to voice out and give opinions but it should not be done in a manner that can destroy the party.

“Toppling the party president is like destroying the party,” he said.

On Friday, the UMNO Supreme Council member suspended Muhyiddin from his position as the party's number two. Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was then appointed to carry out Muhyiddin’s duties until the next party election in 2018.

READ: UMNO suspends Muhyiddin, Zahid stands in as deputy president