The move by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to cooperate with the opposition in making a declaration to oust Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will only fan the people's hatred towards his leadership and the government.

Perak Umno liaison committee chief Dr Zambry Abd Kadir regarded the action as a rebranding of the opposition political movement to tarnish the image of the ruling party.

According to the Perak menteri besar, such a move was not in the interest of the nation, but was caused by a loss of judgement due to anger against the prime minister.

"Akin to cutting off the nose to spite the face, Mahathir's action not only targets the prime minister but also damages the political climate in the country," he said after opening the Perak Youth State Assembly in Ipoh today.

Mahathir headed a group of more than 50 people including former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir, DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang and Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali in signing a declaration supporting the ouster of Najib as prime minister.

Zambry urged all politicians in Perak not to lose focus due to any opposition strategy, especially after the signing of the declaration.

"They (opposition) will use any ruse including befriending Mahathir, their erstwhile number one enemy, to undermine the power of Umno and BN.

Zambry stressed that Perak Umno would be facing the political movement, and would ensure the mandate given by the people to BN and the prime minister to head the national administration, would continue to be carried out with sincerity and responsibility.

"Perak Umno, together with the leadership of the prime minister, will ensure the pledge to the people will be fulfilled and the well-being of the people given priority.

"The internal unity and solidarity of the party in Perak will continue to be strengthened to ensure the government, which is picked by the people, is not threatened by anarchy from any quarter.”

- Bernama