Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
What position did Muhyiddin Yassin take from Mar 2004 to Mar 2008?
Muhyiddin Yassin Tan Sri Dato Haji Mahiaddin bin Md . Yasin ( ; born 15 May 1947 ) or familiarly known as Muhyiddin bin Mohd . Yassin ( ) is a Malaysian politician who has served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia since 1 March 2020 . He served as the 10th Deputy Prime Minister , Minister of Home Affairs and in many other Cabinet positions under former Prime Ministers Abdullah Ahmad Badawi , Najib Razak and Mahathir Mohamad , from May 1995 to February 2020 . As a result of the ongoing 2020-21 Malaysian political crisis , Mahathirs abrupt resignation on 24 February 2020 led to Muhyiddin being declared Prime Minister by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 29 February 2020 . He was formally appointed and sworn in on 1 March 2020 shortly before becoming prominent in Malaysias response to the COVID-19 pandemic . Muhyiddin grew up in the state of Johor and joined the state public service after graduating from University of Malaya ( UM ) . He assumed the management positions at various state-owned companies . In 1978 , he was elected as the MP for Pagoh . During his term as the MP , he was appointed parliamentary secretary to the minister of foreign affairs , deputy minister of federal territories and later deputy minister of trade and industry . As the Johor UMNO chief , he was the states Menteri Besar from 1986 to 1995 . He returned to federal politics in 1995 . He was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Youth and Sports . He was appointed Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs after the 1999 general election and became a vice president of UMNO in 2000 . Under the premiership of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi , Muhyiddin served as Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry from 2004 to 2008 , and then as Minister of International Trade and Industry from 2008 to 2009 . In 2008 , he contested and won the UMNO deputy presidency and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education by Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009 . As Minister of Education , Muhyiddin ended the use of English as the medium of instruction for science and mathematics in public schools . He also attracted controversy after describing himself as Malay first when challenged by the Opposition to pronounce himself as Malaysian first . During Najibs mid-term cabinet reshuffle in July 2015 , he was dropped from his position , marking the first incumbent to be left out ; in June 2016 , he was expelled from UMNO . He founded the political party Malaysian United Indigenous Party ( BERSATU ) in 2016 . Subsequently , He returned to the cabinet after his coalition of parties , Pakatan Harapan won the 2018 Malaysian general election . In 2020 , BERSATU left Pakatan Harapan and joined the coalition Perikatan Nasional during the 2020 Malaysian political crisis . Early life . Muhyiddin was born as Mahiaddin bin Md . Yasin in Muar , Johor , Malaysia . His father , Haji Muhammad Yassin bin Muhammad , was a Malay of Bugis descent . Muhammad Yassin was an Islamic theologian and cleric based in Bandar Maharani , Muar , Johor , while his mother , Hajjah Khadijah binti Kassim , was a Malay of Javanese descent . Muhyiddin received his primary education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Maharani , Muar , Johor , and Sekolah Kebangsaan Ismail , Muar , Johor . He received his secondary education at the Muar High School , Johor . Subsequently , he attended the University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur . He received an honours bachelors degree in Economics and Malay studies in 1971 . Early career . After completing his studies , Muhyiddin joined the Johor state public service as the assistant secretary of training and scholarship . In 1974 , he was appointed the assistant district officer ( ADO ) of Muar . He left the civil service to join the corporate sector in the Johor State Economic Development Corporation ( PKENJ ) , managing its subsidiary companies like Sergam Berhad as managing director ( 1974–1977 ) , Equity Mal ( Johore ) Sdn Bhd as Director ( 1974–1978 ) , Sri Saujana Berhad as managing director ( 1974–1978 ) and SGS Ates ( M ) Sdn Bhd as Human Resources Manager ( 1974 ) . Early political career ( 1971–2009 ) . Early year ( 1971–1986 ) . Muhyiddins involvement in politics began when he joined UMNO as an ordinary member at the Pagoh division in 1971 . He was elected as UMNO youth chief of the Pagoh division and the secretary in 1976 . Later he became Youth Chief of Johor state UMNO Youth until 1987 . Muhyiddin occupied the seats of Exco in the national Malaysia UMNO Youth . In 1984 , Muhyiddin was elected the UMNO division chief of Pagoh , replacing Othman Saat . Muhyiddin rose the ranks and file of Johor UMNO quickly . From being a state executive council member , he rose to become Johor UMNOs head and later became Menteri Besar of Johor . Muhyiddin contested and was elected Member of Parliament for the Pagoh constituency in the 1978 general election and kept the seat until 1982 . Muhyiddin was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs ; subsequently , he was promoted to Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Federal Territories and later the Ministry of Trade and Industry . Menteri Besar of Johor ( 1986–1995 ) . In the 1986 general election , Muhyiddin contested and won the Johor State Legislative constituency seat of Bukit Serampang , opening the path for him to become the Menteri Besar of Johor on 13 August 1986 . His tenure as Menteri Besar lasted until 6 May 1995 . Ministership ( 1995–2009 ) . Muhyiddin returned to contest the Pagoh parliamentary seat in the 1995 General Election . He served several different federal government cabinet posts as Minister of Youth and Sports ( 1995–1999 ) , Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ( 1999–2004 ) , Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry ( 2004–2008 ) and Minister of International Trade and Industry ( 2008–2009 ) . He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education by Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009 . Positions in UMNO . In 1984 , Muhyiddin contested a UMNO Supreme Council seat but lost . Muhyiddin was later appointed the UMNO Johor state liaison chairman and next appointed a Supreme Council member . In November 1990 , he was a candidate for the UMNO vice-presidency but lost again . Muhyiddin attempted again in the November 1993 UMNO party election , successfully this time . Nevertheless , he lost the 1996 election when defending the vice-president post . Eventually , in the election in 2000 , he again won the post of vice-president of UMNO , remaining in that post until the October 2008 party election , when Muhyiddin successfully sought the higher post of deputy president , which was left vacant as the incumbent , Najib Razak ( who was acting party president after the retirement of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi ) , became UMNO president . 2009 UMNO General Assembly and party election . Muhyiddin attacked Abdullah Ahmad Badawis original transition plan as too long , and some people say that at one point , Muhyiddin was about to ask and force Abdullah to quit , though he never did so directly . During the 2008 general election , Muhyiddin managed to keep his seat and remained as an UMNO leader . Shocked by the election results , he called for reforms . During the 2009 UMNO General Assembly and party election , Muhyiddin was a candidate for the deputy president post , which was vacated by the incoming prime minister Najib Tun Razak . He was challenged by Mohd Ali Rustam , Malacca chief minister , and Muhammad Muhammad Taib , Rural and Regional Development Minister . Muhyiddin , seen as a supporter of Mahathir Mohamad , was seen to be the front-runner for the race , garnering many nominations by the UMNO divisions . Nevertheless , the competition was tough , as Taib and Rustam gained more ground , especially from the Badawi camp . Political analysts tipped the race to be very tight . However , the UMNO supreme council decided to disqualify Ali Rustams candidacy after his assistants were caught involved with corruption after an investigation . The election resulted in Muhyiddins election to the post with 1,575 votes to Muhammad Taibs 916 . Deputy prime ministership ( 2009–2015 ) . Muhyiddin was appointed deputy prime minister on 9 April 2009 , when Najib took over from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and unveiled his first Cabinet . Continuing as Minister for Education , he announced the decision to return to the teaching of mathematics and science in Malay in all government primary and secondary schools . Muhyiddin waded into controversy in March 2010 by stating he was Malay first rather than Malaysian first . He also said that there is nothing wrong with other races doing the same ; for example , the Chinese could claim themselves to be Chinese first , Malaysian second and same for the Indians . On 13 July 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 came to Muhyiddins defence , denying that his statement was inconsistent with the 1Malaysia concept promoted by the government . Sacked from the cabinet . During Najibs mid-term Cabinet reshuffle on 28 July 2015 , he was dropped from his position as Deputy Prime Minister . The dismissal came after Muhyiddin had made public and critical remarks about Najibs handling of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal . Najib stated that Muhyiddins dismissal , and the contemporaneous dismissals of other Ministers who had been critical of his leadership , was to create a more unified team . Muhyiddin remained UMNO deputy president , but after keeping up criticism of UMNO , he was eventually sacked by the partys supreme council in June 2016 . Muhyiddin remained unrepentant , maintaining that he had never betrayed the party and pledging to continue speaking out . Post deputy prime ministership ( 2015–2018 ) . Establishment of BERSATU Party . In August 2016 , Muhyiddin registered a new political party , called Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia ( PPBM or Bersatu for short ) together with former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad . Muhyiddin became the partys president while Mahathir and his son Mukhriz became the chairman and deputy president . The new party is focused on Bumiputera – Malays and Orang Asli – in the sense that full membership is only open to Bumiputera . Other races can join the party but cannot vote or contest in party elections . Minister of home affairs ( 2018–2020 ) . He was appointed as Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad when Pakatan Harapan won the 14th General Election . Prime ministership ( 2020–present ) . On 29 February 2020 , a week after the country was thrown into a political crisis , Muhyiddin was appointed Prime Minister by the king , following the abrupt resignation of Mahathir Mohamad five days before . He is the first person appointed to the position while holding both a parliamentary and state seat at the same time . COVID-19 pandemic and Malaysian movement control order . During his administration , COVID-19 spread throughout the nation . In response , Muhyiddin implemented the 2020 Malaysia movement control order ( MCO ) on 16 March 2020 to prevent the disease from infecting more Malaysians . The MCO started nationwide from 18 March and was extended conditionally to 9 June 2020 . In response to the economic impact of COVID-19 , he introduced an economic stimulus package worth RM 250 billion on 27 March to soften the economic strain during the MCO . On 1 May , in conjunction with Labour Day , Muhyiddin announced a Conditional Movement Control Order ( CMCO ) . Certain economic sectors were allowed to operate gradually as long as SOP are followed . Travel restrictions are partially lifted to allow stranded students staying on their campuses and people who are stuck in other states to return to their respective home . Sports , recreational , and large gatherings are still prohibited under the CMCO . On 10 May , it was announced that the CMCO will last for another four weeks until 9 June . More sectors will be allowed to operate and fewer restrictions are to be applied . Shopping malls , dine-in and non-contact sports are allowed as long as social distancing is observed . On 22 May , Muhyiddin entered into a 14-day quarantine after an officer who attended the post-Cabinet meeting at the Prime Ministers Office on 21 May tested positive for COVID-19 . On 4 June 2020 , he completed the 14-day quarantine period and was tested negative for COVID-19 . Therefore , he was allowed to return to the workplace to discharge his official duties as Prime Minister . The CMCO was converted into Recovery Movement Control Order ( RMCO ) and ran from 10 June until 31 August . Under the RMCO , more restrictions will be relaxed to allow the public to carry out their daily activities while complying with standard operating procedures . Almost all social , religious , business , and educational activities are allowed to resume . Hair salons , morning and night markets , and sports-related businesses like gymnasiums will open on a staggered basis , as well as religious congregation such as prayers as long as strict SOPs are followed . Reflexology centres , nightclubs , theme parks , karaoke centres , and gatherings such as kenduri ( feasts ) are still barred during the RMCO . 2021 Malaysian state of emergency . On 19 October , the Malaysian King Sultan Abdullah of Pahang rejected Prime Minister Muhyiddins request for him to declare a state of emergency in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases throughout the country . However , on 21 January 2021 , a new request to declare a state of emergency was granted by the Malaysian King and is expected to last until the 1st of August . Controversies . Misuse of RMAF helicopter . Muhyiddin , as the Deputy Prime Minister , has used a RMAF Nuri helicopter to attend and open UMNOs divisional assembly in the interior of Sabah , which has nothing to do with his official duties . His actions have been strongly criticized by the federal opposition led by Lim Kit Siang as it was a misuse of his powers as Deputy Prime Minister . Lim even questioned whether the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC ) would investigate Muhyiddin , as MACC has been conducting various investigations into assemblymen in states controlled by Lims Pakatan Rakyat . Malay first , Malaysian second . On 31 March 2010 , Muhyiddin caused a ruckus in the country declaring himself is a Malay first rather than a Malaysian first when responding to Democratic Action Party ( DAP ) leader Lim Kit Siangs challenge in the parliament for him to state whether he is a Malay or a Malaysian first . However , Muhyiddin retorted although he is Malay first , that doesnt mean he being Malay is not Malaysian . The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak defended Muhyiddins Malay first , Malaysian second assertion and controversial statement even though it contradicts the 1Malaysia concept which talks of 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 . Racist remarks . Muhyiddin brewed a storm again on 12 April 2010 by calling the members of a new inter-faith committee small fry , causing strong reaction from the public and uproar from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism , Christianity , Hinduism , Sikhism and Taoism ( MCCBCHST ) to back off from joining the committee for the time being . But Muhyiddin was quick to deny he ever say that and state he was misquoted . Muhyiddin even went to the extent of doubling down and uttered Yes , I am Malay first and no apologies . Usage of glamour name on the official purposes . In April 2021 , the Shah Alam court has reversed a preventive detention order signed by him during his time as the Minister of Home Affairs because he signed the order using his glamour name , Muhyiddin bin Mohd . Yassin instead of his legal ( real ) name , Mahiaddin bin Md . Yasin . Personal life . Family . He was married with Noorainee Abdul Rahman in 1972 and blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters , namely Fakhri Yassin Mahiaddin , Nabilah Mahiaddin , and Farhan Yassin Mahiaddin respectively . Most of his children are heavily involved in business and corporate , entertainment and writing industries . His son , Fakhri Yassin , was a corporate figure in Malaysia and assumed the position of Executive Chairman . The second child , Nabilah was involved in book writing while Najwa and Farhan Yassin shared the same interest in the entertainment industry . Sport . He is an avid golf lover . Health issues . In the aftermath of 2018 general election ( GE14 ) , Muhyiddin was diagnosed with an early-stage tumour in the pancreas . He had spent one month in Mount Elizabeth Hospital , Singapore from July to August 2018 , during which he underwent a surgery to extract the tumour . The operation was successful and he returned to Malaysia in stable condition . He was scheduled for a series of follow-up chemotherapy treatment after Hari Raya Haji , for up to six months . He told reporters at the Parliament , for cancer cases such as this , it is normal to go through follow-up treatment including chemotherapy for 12 rounds over the duration of six months . Based on medical advice , Muhyiddin took a one-month medical leave to recover post-surgery . Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad took charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs during Muhyiddins absence . Honours . Honours of Malaysia . - Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia ( PSM ) – Tan Sri ( 1988 ) - Sultan Ibrahim Medal ( PIS ) ( II ) ( 1974 ) - Star of Sultan Ismail ( BSI ) ( II ) ( 1979 ) - Companion of the Order of the Crown of Johor ( SMJ ) ( 1980 ) - Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Johor ( SPMJ ) – Dato ( 1991 ) - Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah ( SHMS ) – Dato Seri Diraja ( 2014 ) - Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Malacca ( DUNM ) – Datuk Seri Utama ( 2019 ) - Perak Family Order of Sultan Azlan Shah ( Ordinary Class ) ( SPSA ) – Dato Seri Diraja ( 2010 ) - Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Crown of Perlis , the Star of Safi ( SPMP ) – Dato Seri ( 2007 ) - Principal Grand Knight of the Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan ( SUNS ) – Dato Seri Utama ( 2010 ) - Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu ( SPDK ) – Datuk Seri Panglima ( 2010 ) - Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of Sarawak ( PNBS ) – Dato Sri ( 2008 ) - Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak ( DP ) – Datuk Patinggi ( 2010 ) Honorary degrees . - 2012 International Honorary Doctorate from United States Sports Academy ( 2013 ) - Honorary Doctor of Letters ( Litt.D. ) degree from Beijing Foreign Studies University ( 2014 )