Sungai Petani Umno deputy chief Firdaus Zakaria said today he was not involved in an attempt to remove the division chief but was only trying to calm down the situation.

He did this on the instruction of Umno supreme council member Abdul Raof Yusof, who is also Umno executive secretary.

"I descended the stage to calm down the situation after an argument and shoving began.

"I wasn't involved in demanding the removal of division chief Ali Yahaya," he said clarifying newspapers reports today.

Newspapers today reported that Firdaus, Wanita chief Siti Aminah Kamis and Puteri chief Shahanim Mohd Yusof had joined delegates demanding Ali's removal.

Shahanim who is also Puteri Umno deputy chief told Bernama that Wanita and Puteri had moved a motion of no confidence in Ali and wanted him replaced but were blocked by his supporters.

Firdaus was thankful that the situation did not become worse.

"I hope that everyone heed the advice of Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday that all problems in Umno be settled in a family manner," he added.

Ali who was not allowed to speak at the opening got his say when postponing the delegates meeting.

- Bernama