The Federal Territories (FT) Umno liaison committee today pledges undivided loyalty to Prime Minister Najib Razak's leadership.

Its chairperson Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said, at the same time, they also expressed highest respect to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Of late, we have seen many criticisms being hurled at Najib, who is also Umno president, and at Dr Mahathir, who has contributed so much for the people and the country."

He said this to reporters at a special press conference to pledge support to Najib at Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi today.

Also present were FT Umno deputy chairperson Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, secretary  Syed Ali Alhabshee and treasurer Johari Ghani.

Tengku Adnan said following the criticisms on Najib's leadership, Mahathir had also been criticised by many quarters.

"We have never agreed with the criticisms hurled at Najib who, as the prime minister, has done so much for the people and the country," he said.

Tengku Adnan, who is also Umno secretary-general, said the real enemies of Umno were the opposition parties and hence, Umno leaders and members should not fight each other to achieve political mileage or personal agenda.

All quarters, he said, should support and give a chance to Najib to implement all the transformation programmes he mooted for the benefit of the people and the country.

He also urged all quarters to stop creating conflict and antagonism between the two leaders as all the questions and criticisms had been answered by Najib.

Earlier, 200 FT Umno leaders who attended the FT Umno Retreat Workshop here, also pledged their undivided support to Najib's leadership.

Divisions pledge solid support

Meanwhile, the Tanjong and Bukit Bendera Umno divisions in Penang also expressed their solid support for Najib today.

Tanjong division head Ahmad Ibnihajar said since the prime minister was given the mandate to administer the country in 2009, many changes and transformations had been implemented to develop the country and bring prosperity to the people regardless of race.

"As the prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib needs to be given the mandate and trust to discharge his responsibility to implement development projects for the benefit of the people. The time for former prime ministers has passed, let the present prime minister discharge his responsibility," said Ahmad who represents 9,000 members of the (Tanjong) Umno division at a press conference.

Ahmad described the criticism made by Mahathir as having brought more negative than positive impact.

"He (Mahathir) should have met the Umno leadership and give his views. Not all his opinions should be accepted by the present leadership, the rationale of its implementation should be considered and scrutinised," he added.

The Bukit Bendera Umno division also pledged to stand firmly with the Najib administration.

Its head, Ahmad Ismail said Najib's openness in giving his explanation on various issues raised by various groups, including Mahathir, showed that he was a leader who was responsible to the people and party.

"The prime minister should be given the opportunity to do his best in administering the country and Tun (Dr) Mahathir could assist in strengthening the party and country through his experience and wisdom," he said.

He said that Mahathir as an influential leader was considered as a father and it would be better to resolve the issue courteously in the family spirit which had been the culture adopted by Umno all this while.

- Bernama