MUCH ado about nothing. Umno president Najib Razak today announced that Muhammad Muhammad Taib has rejoined Umno, in an announcement that produced many rumours and speculation since morning.

In the anti-climatic 20-minute press conference, Najib said the former Selangor menteri besar was rejoining Umno from PKR.

“He realises that the struggles of the opposition parties, especially PKR, are a waste,” said Najib, who is also prime minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman.

After the announcement, Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali tweeted: “Sau Kaw Po Ji…. kah kah kah” (Collect old newspaper). 

Muhammad was a four term Batang Kali assemblyman (1982-1999) and was Selangor menteri besar from 1986-1997.

He quit Umno to join PAS in 2013 after losing his position as regional and rural development minister in Najib’s cabinet reshuffle of 2009. He then quit PAS to join PKR in 2015.

Najib said Muhammad’s return to Umno was about the party’s struggle and not about posts.

Muhammad said he made this decision after experiencing five years “on the other side” of the political divide.

“I feel that my struggle is futile.

“In the meetings that I attended, there was no discussion about the Malay agenda. Therefore, I feel there is no other path for me other than Umno, “ Muhammad said.

“I thank Najib for being gracious enough in accepting me back. I promise to stick with the party’s leaders.

“I think the Malays must be solid within Umno, this has been our struggle for a long time.” 

When a “special” press conference by Najib was announced late yesterday, speculation was rife that the prime minister would dissolve parliament to pave the way for the 14th general election.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier today denied that was the case, and urged the people to wait for the announcement.– September 17, 2017.