Umno Deputy President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin arrives at the Umno General assembly, December 9, 2015. ― Picture by Saw Siow Feng

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 — Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin disclosed tonight that he has been officially barred by the party’s powerful supreme council from addressing delegates at the main general assembly tomorrow.

The Johor-born added that he had appealed to his fellow supreme council members to allow him and Sabah-born vice-president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal the chance to speak to delegates tomorrow, but was denied.

“I’m not allowed to speak because my lips have been sealed. I don't know what has happened to Umno,” he told reporters after leaving the just-ended council meeting at Menara Dato Onn, the party’s headquarters here.

“I’m saddened but I will sit through the assembly until it is over because I am the deputy president. I am just disappointed that after appealing for myself and Datuk Shafie to be given the chance to address delegates, they have still said no,” he added.

Muhyiddin said he disagreed with the council’s decision, but accepted it as it had been decided by the rest of the group.

Both Muhyiddin and Shafie have been estranged from the Umno leadership following their removal from the federal Cabinet in July, ostensibly for questioning Putrajaya’s handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue.

Both continue to be critical of the Umno leadership.

In a departure from party tradition, Muhyiddin had been removed from all speaking duties at the Umno general assembly.

The Umno deputy president customarily delivers the opening address at the assemblies of the Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings as well as the winding-up speech on the final day of the main assembly.

Earlier today, another Umno vice-president and Muhyiddin’s successor as deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the opening of the party’s three wing assemblies ― Wanita, Youth and Puteri.

Muhyiddin however paid each wing's meeting a visit this afternoon.

He is also currently under investigation for “crossing the line” in a speech he gave ahead of the general assembly which questioned Najib's leadership.