The former Terengganu menteri besar said his decision was made for the good of the people as they were suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Idris, who is now Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman, said Umno could not deny Muhyiddin’s contribution to the party, which included giving recognition to the party’s leaders by appointing a deputy prime minister and senior ministers from Umno.

“In fact, he has also done a lot to help Felda residents. Starting with the Sukuk assistance worth RM9.9 billion followed by the approval of debt write-offs amounting to RM8.3 billion. I will never see another leader like this who has a big heart to help Felda residents.

“I think the future of Umno will be better if it continues to work together with the current government under the leadership of Muhyiddin. This government is not infallible, but in order to avoid greater harm, it is a better option,” he said in a statement.

Idris went on to call all Umno leaders to “increase their solidarity”.

Idris said: “Regarding the current situation in Umno, president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi once said all Umno MPs were free to choose who to support in Parliament. Now, he is ordering that all of us retract support for the government and Muhyiddin. His decisions are always changing.

“Unfortunately, I do not see a game plan (as to) where Zahid wants to take us at a time when the health of the people is still under threat. We are instructed to reject the current government and reject the leadership of Muhyiddin.”

Idris went on to ask: “After that, where do we go? Do we want to go back to being in (the) opposition? Or do we want to support opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as we know the close relationship between the two?”

FMT reported yesterday that Umno’s Maran MP Ismail Abd Muttalib had gone against the party’s decision to state his support for Muhyiddin.