The meeting by Umno division leaders in support of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak proves that the planned protest to urge his resignation is gaining traction, said PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

This is because the meeting, Nik Nazmi said, would be held a day after the March 7 protest, which is slated to take place outside the Sogo shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.

"For them to do this one day after our rally shows what we are saying is gaining ground," he added.

Speaking to reporters at the PKR headquarters, Nik Nazmi also said it was Umno’s right to rally this Sunday, just as it is Kita Lawan’s right to take to the streets on Saturday.

Speculation has been rife regarding the ‘Solidarity with PM’ meet, which comes amid escalating attacks on Najib over various issues, such as the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial issues.

Umno vice-president Shafee Apdal, however, denied that this Sunday’s rally is to show support for the party president, saying it would just a regular meeting.

The Kita Lawan protest this Saturday aims to pressure Najib to quit office, for allegedly failing as the country’s leader.

The demonstration is also to urge the release of jailed Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is serving five years in jail for sodomy.