Suspended Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin has always been seen as a person loyal to his party, showcased by his more than 40 years of involvement in Umno and even becoming its second most powerful person.

This is why Merdeka Center executive director Ibrahim Suffian is of the opinion that Muhyiddin will follow not suit on to the decision of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to leave Umno .

“For him to take a more dramatic action, in the manner of Mahathir, seems to be unlikely at this point of time. It just seems to be out of character for Muhyiddin,” Ibrahim told Malaysiakini .

Muhyiddin, he said, had already made his point of difference between him and Umno president Najib Abdul Razak, and was probably leaving others to “carry on with the fight”.

“What remains now is to determine whether he is going to continue on the path of rebellion against the party or whether he is going to accept the differences and play a less active role,” he said.

However, this is going to be a long game, and many things can happen, Ibrahim ( photo ) noted, pointing out how the general election is still a long time away and the Umno leadership elections will not take place anytime soon.

“As far as trying to seek resolution from the public, there is no juncture.”

Muhyiddin, he added, had not generated a huge amount of support for himself after his descent in politics.

However, Ibrahim conceded that Muhyiddin, as a native of Johor and Pagoh Umno division chief, does have influence in the state.

“If he devotes his time and works there, maybe something might come out,” he said.

After announcing his decision to quit Umno, Mahathir expressed hope that Muhyiddin would follow in his footsteps by resigning from Umno as well.

Muhyiddin was suspended last Friday as Umno deputy president for continuously speaking out against Najib.

In July last year, Najib sacked him as deputy prime minister for criticising his handling of the 1MDB issue.