Umno Youth should not dismiss Dr Mahathir Mohamad's new Malay party and instead take it seriously.

He said it was arrogant to think of it merely as a splinter party or a party that won't last long.

However, he said when compared to Umno, the new party won't go far.

"We take them seriously. But we believe and are sure that compared to Umno, this new party will not get the support of the majority of Malays," said Khairy.

Speaking at the Sepang Puteri and Umno Youth annual assembly last night, he said the new party won't gain traction because it was a single-issue party.

"This party was set up to topple a leader, and this sort of party won't last. It's different if they were set up to defend Malays, Islam and country."

Mahathir had announced the formation of a new political party to oppose Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and BN in the next general elections.

The party will feature leaders such as his son and former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz, as well as former Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Mahathir stalwart A Kadir Jasin said the new party would be exclusive to Malays.

Khairy said Mahathir’s party aims to pull support from Umno.

"They've made it clear the new party was set up to get support from Umno members and supporters to topple the Umno president (Najib)."

He called on Umno Youth and Puteri to defend Najib if they truly love the party.

"As long as the president has done no wrong, and is dutiful, it is our responsibility as the party's youth to protect the institution of the party president."