Umno deputy permanent chairperson Mohamad Aziz has urged the party's leadership to look after the grassroots members and not morph into a party of elites who are only interested in accolades.

Mohamad said this in an appeal against the possible sacking of Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Shafie Apdal from the party.

"The Umno leadership must become an umbrella to protect the interests of the party and its members and not become elites who only want praises," he said in a statement today.

Mohamad's statement comes amidst widespread speculation that Muhyiddin and Shafie, who were removed from the government on July 28, would also be sacked from the party at the Umno supreme council meeting on Sept 9.

Mohamad ( photo ) said the removal of the two leaders from the government had already generated discontent at the grassroots level.

"Members and grassroots are already anxious with the developments in the top leadership.

"Their anxiety can be heard everyday, across the country," he said.

Mohamad said he hoped the Umno leadership would be guided by Allah in its decision.