Dr Mahathir Mohamad may not be attending Umno's general assembly this week but his shadow loomed large today as delegates traded differing views on the controversial ex-premier.

Mahathir's appearance was highly anticipated after his bitter criticisms against the government this year.

However, he was obliged to bow out after suffering a mild heart attack last week - defusing the prospect of a showdown with his successor Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who he has accused of corruption and mismanagement.

Mahathir was discharged from the National Heart Institute today and is not expected to attend the assembly.

Umno youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein, who is also education minister, urged party members to back the beleaguered Abdullah who insisted on the weekend that he would not quit.

"We support the president unconditionally; former leaders are always respected and loved. To the honourable Tun Mahathir Mohamad, we are indebted. To the honourable Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, continue to lead us," Hishamuddin said, refering to both men by their honorific titles.

No to baseless accusations

Mahathir's son Mukhriz Mahathir, who was present when Hishamuddin spoke, said he "had goosebumps" when his father's name was mentioned.

"I thought that was very appropriate. I don't see what is wrong about being grateful to our previous leaders and at the same time being totally loyal to our present one. I think it is not mutually exclusive," Mukhriz told reporters.

The former premier's absence may have taken the fireworks out of what had earlier promised to be a fiery meet, but Umno women's chief, Trade Minister Rafidah Aziz, made veiled references to Mahathir - her former mentor.

"Every individual has the right to speak, the right to admonish, the right to criticise, be it against another individual or even the government," she said in a speech.

"However, no one has the right to make any baseless accusations which are slanderous."

Mahathir has also targeted Rafidah, blaming her for allowing a controversial automobile import permit scheme to flourish and contribute to national carmaker Proton's sliding car sales.

"Nobody can satisfy everyone all the time. But don't let anyone's dissatisfaction become the reason to topple a leader, tarnish the party and the government and create problems," Rafidah said.

Abdullah's son in-law Khairy Jamaluddin, who Mahathir has accused of having an inappropriate influence on the prime minister, made light of any possible tensions.

Asked if he was feeling any heat from Mahathir's supporters at the assembly, the party's influential deputy youth chief said: "No, the air conditioning is very good".