The Umno division heads meeting with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Sunday will be held at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking to Malaysiakini , an Umno leader who declined to be named said the meeting would take place at the Putra World Trade Centre at 3pm.

"So far 173 divisions have confirmed their attendance," he added.

Umno has a total of 191 divisions nationwide.

The meeting has been termed as an expression of solidarity with Najib (right) , who is also Umno president.

It comes amidst a slew of controversies swirling around the prime minister, such as the damning revelations on the Finance Ministry-owned 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

While the meeting’s chief organiser, Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee dismissed that it is being held to address cracks in the party, others claim it would provide an avenue for Umno division chiefs to grill their president on certain issues.

Stop fanning controversy

Speculation has been rife of move, coordinated by those aligned to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to oust Najib is gaining steam.

In a blog posting today, Syed Ali lambasted a news portal for fanning such claims, stating that the March 8 meeting had aroused the curiosity of many.

"However, I expected responsible journalists to report truthfully and accurately as opposed to fanning hatred and spewing venom aimed at jump-starting cracks within Umno.

"Maybe it's reports like these that make up for juicy stories, which increase circulation or in this case readership. But it certainly reeks of unprofessionalism.

"And it's sad to see veteran journalist and even academics jump on the bandwagon, frothing at the mouth, and allude to waning support for Najib,” he said.

The Umno leader stressed that the meeting is not a "huge public relations exercise by Najib" aimed at shoring up his dwindling support.