Deputy Prime Minister
Subsequently, Muhyiddin was appointed as the new Deputy Prime Minister for Malaysia on 9 April 2009 when Najib took over from Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and unveiled his first Cabinet after assuming the premiership on 3 April 2009.
During Muhyiddin's tenure as the Deputy Prime Minister for Malaysia, he announced several controversial actions. He announced the decision to revert the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science in English in all Malaysian government primary and secondary school made during Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's administration.
Muhyiddin waded into controversy in March 2010, by stating he was "Malay" first rather than "Malaysian first". He has also said that there is nothing wrong for other races to do the same i.e. the Chinese could claim themselves to be "Chinese first, Malaysian second" and same for the Indians. On July 13, 2010 he said that anyone was free to form an association, including Chinese or Indian versions of the Malay rights group, Perkasa.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak came to Muyyiddin's defence despite the 1Malaysia campaign promoting "a nation where, it is hoped, every Malaysian perceives himself or herself as Malaysian first, and by race, religion, geographical region or socio-economic background second...".
Read more about this topic: Muhyiddin Yassin
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