Muhyiddin Yassin, an experienced political leader





JOHOR BAHRU, May 12 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Home Minister in the Cabinet of the Pakatan Harapan government announced by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today, is an experienced political leader.

Muhyiddin, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) president, was previously the deputy prime minister in the Barisan Nasional government, Johor menteri besar and sports and youth minister, trade and consumer affairs minister, agriculture and agro-based industry minister as well as international trade and industry minister.

The Muar born Muhyiddin, who will be aged 71 on May 15, received his early education in Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Maharani, Muar and secondary education in Muar High School before furthering his studies at the University of Malaya from 1968 until 1970, obtaining a Bachelor degree (Hons) in Economics and Malay Studies.

He married Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman in 1972 and the couple are blessed with four children.

Muhyiddin had also served, among others, as administrative officer (assistant secretary) and Muar assistant district officer from 1971 to 1974.

He started his political career as the Muar-Pagoh UMNO Division treasurer in 1970 and held several key positions before becoming an UMNO supreme council member for the 1987-1990 term and later as UMNO vice president for three terms and deputy president in 2009. He was sacked from the party in 2016.

Muhyiddin first contested as a BN candidate for the Pagoh parliamentary constituency in the 1978 general election and was the elected representative for two terms.

He won the Bukit Serampang state seat unopposed in the 1986 general election and was subsequently appointed as the menteri besar, a post he held for nine years before making a comeback to Pagoh and retaining the seat since 1995.

Contesting under the Pakatan Harapan in the GE14, Muhyiddin, who is also Johor Pakatan Harapan chairman, successfully defended the Pagoh seat with a vote majority of 6.927 in a three-cornered fight against Ismail Mohamed from BN and Ahmad Nawfal Mahfodz from PAS.

Muhyiddin also won the Gambir state seat with a vote majority of 3,088 defeating M. Asojan from BN and Mahfodz Mohamed from PAS.

-- BERNAMA