BN component party leaders should heed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's advice to avoid open criticism and focus on the opposition.

NONE Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the leaders should

correct weaknesses to avoid split in the party as it would affect BN's strength and credibility.

He urged BN component party leaders to be offensive towards the opposition as their leaders had been spreading lies about the government.

"BN can't afford to be defensive anymore. We must be offensive or take the bull by the horn to stop the opposition," he said after opening the Pagoh Umno division delegates meeting here today.

This was necessary as the lies spread by the opposition leaders had fooled the people and had become a threat.

Muhyiddin said the opposition planned to takeover the federal government and would use all sorts of strategies to achieve the aim.

- Bernama