SHAH ALAM: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has brushed off talk that his announcement not to defend his post at the next party polls was a mere gimmick to fish for support.

The Pagoh MP said this at a short media conference held after the closing ceremony of Bersatu sixth annual general meeting (AGM) which ended on Saturday (Nov 25).

ALSO READ: Wife said yes, so I will stay on as president for one final term, says Muhyiddin

"Did you see the others crying? Ask the others around you if this was a gimmick. I was not playing.

"If you had heard me when I made the announcement (not to defend my post at the next party polls), you know that this was not child's play.

"This was put in writing in my policy speech, you understand me?" said Muhyiddin who looked upset with the question posed by a reporter.

ALSO READ: Bersatu AGM delegates want Muhyiddin to stay on

Muhyiddin had made the announcement not to defend his post during his policy speech on Friday (Nov 24) and the party rejected this outright.

On Saturday, during his closing speech, he announced that he will stay on for another term and defend his post at the next party polls in 2024, after having gained blessings from his wife.