It is normal for political parties, including communist ones, and those with weak leaders to monitor their members, Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said today.

This was to ensure that everyone follows the rules, Tengku Razaleigh said.

"All organisations have rules... organisations like trade unions, and communist parties also have such rules.

"They investigate and track the movements (of members). Organisations with weak leaders, particularly, want to make sure the members follow them," Tengku Razaleigh told reporters in the Parliament lobby.

He said this when asked about Umno's investigations against seven leaders for disciplinary action.

The membership and positions of the leaders being monitored for possible breaches of party discipline may be suspended, Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor ( photo ) has said.

However, Tengku Razaleigh, better known as Ku Li, was bashful when asked if he was calling Umno weak.

"I didn't say anything. As the English say, 'you are putting words in my mouth'," he said with a smile.

The Gua Musang MP said he does not know if he is one of the seven, but he is prepared to face disciplinary action.

"I'm prepared to face anything. I've been in the party longer than any of those people who are there," he said.

Differing views should be tolerated

Asked if Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin should be given the boot for speaking out, Tengku Razaleigh said differing views in the party should be tolerated.

"We need everybody we can (have) in order to strengthen the party. You have to tolerate people with different views.

"That's how Umno gained its strength," he added.

There is speculation about a plot to remove Muhyiddin as Umno deputy president.

He was axed as deputy prime minister for criticising Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's brainchild, 1MDB.

Last Saturday, Muhyiddin slammed Umno leaders as cowards for not speaking up on critical issues.