Umno leaders have dismissed their former president-turned-arch nemesis Dr Mahathir Mohamad's allegation that Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had sought his support to remove Prime Minister Najib Abul Razak.

Speaking to Sinar Harian, Umno Youth exco member Nazir Hussin Akthar Hussin pointed out that Zahid served as Najib's political secretary when he ventured into politics.

“So the issue of Zahid meeting Mahathir to seek his support to bring down Najib does not arise. I am certain that Mahathir's allegation is false and baseless,” he said.

On Monday, Mahathir claimed that Zahid had met him over this matter, but did not provide further details.

“Zahid should remember when he became the DPM, he came to see me to try and seek my sympathy, and my support. I told Zahid the truth, even if Najib were to resign, which is impossible, Zahid must still wait for Umno to decide who should replace Najib,” he had said.

Mahathir had recalled this alleged meeting after Zahid took a swipe at the former premier's ethnic lineage and claimed to have seen his identity card.

Meanwhile, Umno supreme council member Sohaimi Sahadan accused Mahathir of attempting to divert attention from his ancestry by making the allegation against Zahid.

“He is an experienced politician. He is crafty in the art of diverting attention to seek public sympathy. What he has alleged (against Zahid) is irrelevant and only conjuring excuses,” he said.

For Umno veteran secretary-general Mustapha Yaakub, Mahathir's allegation is illogical since the latter is no longer a party member.

“If Zahid has the desire to be prime minister, he must challenge Najib for the Umno presidency and appeal to the 160,000 delegates to ensure his victory (in the party election).

“So what is the logic in Zahid pleading for Mahathir's support when he is no longer an Umno member?” he asked.

Mustapha said he has known the deputy prime minister for close to four decades and finds it difficult to believe Mahathir's allegation.

“Zahid's political career began to shine after he became Najib's political secretary. After this, he was appointed as a senator, then won in the general election after being given the opportunity to contest.

“He then became Umno Youth chief, was appointed as deputy minister and (later) a minister. He won the (Umno) vice-presidency and is now the deputy president.

“If Zahid has the ambition of ousting Najib, he does need to meet Mahathir to get his sympathy,” he added.