Umno will become a weak party in facing the 14th general elections if didn't sack members who conspired with the opposition in signing the Citizens’ Declaration last Friday.

Senator Mohd Ali Rustam said in today's political landscape, Umno could not afford to have 'wolves in sheep's clothing' who would only create disunity in the party.

As such, he said Umno must carry out 'cleaning operation' to remain strong.

"(The action of) Umno members who conspired with the opposition, especially DAP, will confuse other members of the party, and hence affect the overall operation of party machinery at the 14th general election.

"Umno needs members who are loyal. It's a clear cut case, either they support Umno or they don't. They cannot say they support UMNO, but not the leaders. They have to totally support Umno," he told a press conference after opening the Bukit Baru Umno branch meeting in Malacca tonight.

Mohd Ali, who is Bukit Katil Umno chief, was commenting on the action of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Friday, who led a group of over 50 people, including Lim Kit Siang of DAP and Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali of PKR, in signing a declaration to support the move to oust Najib Abdul Razak as prime minister.

The declaration was also signed by former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir, and former MCA president Ling Liong Sik.

Mohd Ali said he personally could not accept that there were such Umno members who would conspire with DAP, a party which has a negative agenda against the Malays in Malaysia.

"I respect him (Dr Mahathir)...but I cannot accept when he conspires with DAP. Ends do not justify means," he said.

- Bernama