Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Mahiaddin bin Md. Yasin is familiarly known as Muhyiddin bin Mohd. Yassin is a Malaysian politician who served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1 March 2020 to 16 August 2021, as caretaker Prime Minister under orders from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong until a new Prime Minister is elected.
During the Malaysian political crisis, Mahathir’s abrupt resignation on 24 February 2020 led to Muhyiddin being declared Prime Minister by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 29 February 2020. He was formally appointed and sworn in on 1 March 2020, and shortly afterward directed Malaysia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These are 7 interesting facts to know about him:
1) He Grew Up In Johor
Muhyiddin bin Haji Muhammad Yassin was born in Muar, Johor, Malaysia on 15 May 1947. He grew up there and received his primary and secondary education at Johorian schools. Muhyiddin has served as the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Johor for 9 years from the year 1986 to the year 1995. He’s also been MP of Pagoh constituency in Johor for 7 terms since 1978 and that is a whopping 42 years.
2) Dismissed As DPM After Publicly Criticizing Najib Over 1MDB Scandal
After a good 6 years, Muhyiddin was forced out into the cold on 28 July 2015. It was no thanks to his multiple public criticisms of Najib over the 1MDB scandal. ‘Good guy’ Muhyiddin wasn’t intimidated, however, and continued to speak out. This eventually cost him his position as deputy president of UMNO.
3) He Sought Treatment In Singapore For Early-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
In 2018, Muhyiddin was diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer and was treated in Mount Elizabeth Hospital from Jul to Aug 2018. He was visited in hospital by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, then-Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
4) A Family-Oriented Man Who Keeps A Low Profile
Google search reveals almost nothing about him outside of politics. But those who know him well would say he is very close to his family. He has 4 kids, one of whom is popular Malaysian singer Najwa Mahiadin.
5) He Studied Economics And Malay Studies
After completing his primary and secondary education in Johor, Muhyiddin headed to Kuala Lumpur for his tertiary education. He attended the University of Malaya and received an Honours bachelor’s degree in Economics and Malay Studies in 1971.
6) He Believes He Is “Malay First”, Not “Malaysian First”
Muhyiddin also made a rather controversial statement in 2010, when he called himself a “Malay first” after being challenged by Democratic Action Party (DAP) veteran Lim Kit Siang to call himself a “Malaysian first”. Explaining his statement, Muhyiddin said, “How can I say I am a Malaysian first and a Malay second? All Malays will shun me and say it’s not proper as Indians will also say they are Indian first”. He added that it’s not wrong for any leader to “struggle for his own race”, but said that he helped all communities.
7) His Political Career Began With UMNO
Muhyiddin’s political career began in 1971 when he joined UMNO as an ordinary member of the Pagoh division. He was elected as UMNO Youth Chief of the Pagoh division and the Secretary in 1976 and later became the Youth Chief of Johor state UMNO Youth until 1987.
Sources: Goody Feed, Must Share News.