KUALA LUMPUR: A group of Umno division leaders has strongly condemned the action of party members who conspired with the Opposition to topple the Prime Minister.

In a show of solidarity for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the group of 147 division chiefs criticised former party deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and former Kedah mentri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir for their allegiance with the Opposition to oust Najib while still remaining party members.

Batu Gajah division chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Kassim, who spoke on the group’s behalf, also lashed out at former Umno president Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for spearheading the citizens’ declaration.

“We are disappointed with Dr Mahathir’s action of getting involved with the Opposition and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang to topple the Prime Minister, an act that clearly goes against the practice of democracy in the country,” he said.

In the two-page declaration, the group urged the Government to use all legal provisions against those who threatened the nation’s ruling system.

It also called on the Government to terminate Umno or Barisan Nasional leaders or former leaders involved in the movement from any Government position or that with government-linked companies.

“We urge the Umno supreme council and the disciplinary board to take stern action against members who are involved in the citizens’ declaration and the Opposition,” Mohd Yusoff said.

Subang division chief Datuk Zein Isma Ismail said the Prime Minister had solid support from the divisions, adding that the divisions which did not support the move were Pagoh which is headed by Muhyiddin, Jerlun (Mukhriz) and Semporna, which is headed by Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

“But Mohd Shafie’s brother is here,” he said, referring to Silam division chief Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal.

Muhyiddin’s former political secretary Datuk Yusoff Haniff, who is the Kelana Jaya division chief, was also present.-thestar