Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad should do less politicking and focus his efforts on helping the people, former Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said today.

"I hope in the future we can do less politicking and focus on efforts to bring up the people," Khalid said when asked to comment on Mahathir's exit from Umno as announced by the ex-premier yesterday.

Speaking after a meeting of Federal Territories lawmakers in Kuala Lumpur today, Khalid, however, pointed out that Mahathir was free to do as he wished including fight against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"I won't meddle with anything that's going on. I think that's his decision. If he decides to (join the opposition fight against Najib), then good for him," he said.

He added that Mahathir was a political veteran capable of making his own decisions.

Mahathir quit Umno yesterday claiming the party now only served to protect Najib.

The former premier also called for the formation of a 'core group' to coordinate efforts to fight Najib.