There is no plot between Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and vice president Mohd Shafie Apdal to deal with internal party matters, a source told Malaysiakini today.

According to the source, even though the arguments they present about Umno matters appear the same, it was all just a coincidence.

"Muhyiddin and Shafie realise that Umno's future is at risk. So (coincidentally) they both see the need to reprimand the party's top leadership, and this should be viewed openly, not with suspicion," the source said on condition of anonymity.

He added, the comments made by both leaders are not new, and have been repeated at Umno's annual general assemblies for years.

"They have been consistent in their views. [...] the issue is, why did the party leadership view such criticisms openly before but now even though the arguments are the same, they are viewed as traitors," he said.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had axed Muhyiddin and Shafie from the cabinet on July 27.

It is believed Najib made the drastic reshuffle following criticisms by the duo on several issues, including the 1MDB scandal.

'Anything can happen in politics'

It has been speculated that both may lose their posts in Umno as well during today's Umno supreme council meeting which began at 3pm.

However, Deputy Prime Minister and Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied such rumours.

Nonetheless, the source said things are now tense in the party with the rise of 'heroes' who want to defend Najib more than they want to defend Umno.

"Heroics isn't just about defending certain leaders but championing the party's cause more than personal interests," he said.

He added Muhyiddin and Shafie are already prepared to face the possibility of being sacked.

"Anything can happen in politics," he said.

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