The former domestic trade and consumer affairs minister also claimed that the Umno MPs in Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration were continuing the agenda of Pakatan Harapan.

Citing the example of pilgrimage fund Tabung Haji, he said how it was being handled now was no different from that during the previous administration.

Shahrir also brought up the unresolved death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, who succumbed to injuries during a riot at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Subang Jaya three years ago.

“This shows we are inconsistent and only come out with rhetoric like the opposition. We forgot these issues after becoming part of the government. What kind of politics is this?” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying.

In this context, Shahrir said he agreed with former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam who had said last month that some political leaders were merely putting on an act.

He went on to say that the public did not really care whether or not Umno representatives held any post, but emphasised that when one held office, it should bring about positive changes.

Shahrir’s comments come in the wake of calls made by several Umno leaders for its MPs to resign from the posts of ministers, deputy ministers and chairmen of government-linked companies after Umno stated it would go its separate way in the 15th general election.

Muhyiddin later announced that all ministers and deputy ministers from Umno had agreed to remain in the government for now. He said he had advised them to remain in the Cabinet in the interest of the people and country.

Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob also said the recent Umno annual general assembly did not pass any resolution to instruct its members to resign from their present Cabinet or government posts.