Muhyiddin rises from the ashes
No one expected Muhyiddin Yassin's political journey to culminate with the country's top post.
His name was nowhere in the running for prime minister post after Dr Mahathir Mohamad's shocking resignation on Feb 24.
However, everything changed when Mahathir surprised many at the launch of the 2020 Economic Stimulus Package on Feb 27, by hinting that Muhyiddin could be a possible contender.
Today, the native of Muar, Johor, who is also one of the founders of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), took his oath of office as the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia at Istana Negara.
The 72-year-old political stalwart has endured various challenges in his career, the most prominent being his removal from the post of deputy prime minister and his sacking from Umno during the previous BN (Barisan Nasional) administration following his open criticism towards the then leadership.
Born on May 15, 1947, Muhyiddin began his political career in the 1970s and has been Pagoh MP for five terms since 1978.
![](https://i.ncdn.xyz/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2020/03/ae60b00045bbd4b158465bfb8dc0aa33.jpg)
The son of a prominent religious cleric Muhammad Yassin Muhammad is also the Gambir assemblyperson in the state of Johor.
He has extensive experience in state and national administrations and has held various Cabinet positions namely Minister of Home Affairs (May 2018-February 2020); Deputy Prime Minister (2009-2015); Minister of Education (2009-2015); Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (2004-2008); Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (1999-2004); Minister of Youth and Sports (1995-1999); and Minister of International Trade and Industry (2008-2009) under four prime ministers, including twice under Mahathir.
Having a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Malay Studies from the University of Malaya (UM), Muhyiddin has also served as the Menteri Besar of Johor (1986-1995) after winning the Bukit Serampang state assembly seat in the seventh general election.
Muhyiddin began his career as Johor Assistant State Secretary in 1970 and was made Muar Assistant District Officer in 1974.
He was appointed Parliament Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in 1981 and made Federal Territories Deputy Minister in 1982.
Muhyiddin received his early education at SK Maharani, SK Ismail and the Muar High School, before pursuing his studies at UM.
He married Norainee Abdul Rahman (below) in 1972 and is blessed with four children, namely Fakhri Yassin, Nabilah, Najwa and Farhan.
![](https://i.ncdn.xyz/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2020/03/34ce0bb1bdca8938e35fc9b77a854f3b.jpg)
His last post was as Home Affairs Minister in Mahathir's cabinet in the Pakatan Harapan government after the coalition involving PKR, Bersatu, DAP and Amanah won the 14th General Election, defeating BN.
Muhyiddin has also held the post of Umno vice-president (1993-1996 and 2000-2007) and was elected Umno deputy president in 2008 before being sacked in 2016 because of his firm and courageous stand in the best interests of the party.
Apart from politics, Muhyiddin has also been active in community-based activities and associations, having been the president of the Royal Johor Country Club and the Johor State Football Association (1986-1995); and president of the Johor State Spastic Children’s Association (1986-1996).
He is also the founder of TSM Charity Golf, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that aims to build a caring community through charitable donations from golf.
Established in 2002, TSM has somewhat changed the community's perception of golf, turning the sport into a means of doing good and contributing to those in need.
- Bernama
RELATED REPORTS
LIVE Day 8: PM's Dept denies tomorrow will be a public holiday
On fate of charged Umno leaders, Hadi says Harapan leaders let off too
Behind closed doors, Dr M blames Muhyiddin and Anwar
Azmin condemns attack on Tian Chua, says PKR infiltrated by gangsters
Chants of 'traitor' outside PKR HQ as leaders aligned to Azmin heckled
Anwar: Azmin's supporters not privy to backdoor deals
Bypassed no more: Malaysia's 'Malay first' PM takes over
Our week-long struggle has succeeded, says Azmin
Muhyiddin takes oath as prime minister before King
Harapan: Let Parliament convene on Mar 9 as scheduled
Timeline: A week of political crisis in Malaysia
Umno sec-gen: PM has the prerogative to appoint ministers
'Blue skies' - Zahid celebrates passing of 'dark clouds' with return of BN
Maszlee: I had a heavy heart sitting with Umno leaders
Police warn against planned protest at Sogo
Muhyiddin rises from the ashes
King won't see me, 'GE14 losers' will form gov't - Mahathir
RM12.50 / month
- Unlimited access to award-winning journalism
- Comment and share your opinions on all our articles
- Gift interesting stories to your friends
- Tax deductable