Muhyiddin Yassin has likened his presence at the signing of the Citizens' Declaration last week together with opposition leaders to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak sharing the same stage with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

He said if Najib could do it, why couldn't he, former premier Dr Mahathir and ex-Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz sit at the same table with opposition figures to save Malaysia.

"Why use a different standard for us?" he asked in a Facebook posting targeted at his critics.

The former deputy prime minister was referring to Najib and Hadi being present at the Regional Conference (Multaqa Serantau) for Al-Azhar Graduates last December.

Mahathir, Muhyiddin and Mukhriz have come under intense criticism for joining hands with their political foes such as DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang.

Soon after the declaration was inked, BN strategic communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan said by collaborating with those seeking to destroy Umno, Mahathir has become a foe as well.

Muhyiddin said that it was also 'unfortunate' that there were those who singled out DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang's presence at the signing of the Citizens' Declaration and painting it as a DAP agenda to 'destroy' Umno.

"The accusation is absolutely untrue. The Citizens' Declaration is not the agenda of any political party.

"It is conceived of individual consciousness from various social and political backgrounds who realise that Najib's position as prime minister is no longer tenable as he is plagued by various financial scandals that is affecting the rakyat's confidence in his ability to lead Malaysia.

"The fact is, the Citizens' Declaration is a people's struggle which transcends ideology, politics, race and religion and is against transgressions to save Malaysia and redeem the country's honour," he said.

Baseless accusation

Muhyiddin also slammed attempts play up racial and religious sentiments over the Citizens' Declaration.

"There are quarters who deliberately use racial and religious sentiments to cover up their own weaknesses.

"Supposedly I and my comrades have abandoned our struggle for religion, race, and country after signing the Citizens' Declaration.

"This is a baseless accusation," he said.

Muhyiddin said as a Muslim, he had a duty to oppose any transgression.

"I do not want to be questioned in the afterlife on what I have done to oppose transgressions when I still could," he said.