Jeli Umno deputy chief Abdul Aziz Derashid will take over as acting division leader after the post was vacated by Mustapa Mohamed following his decision to leave the party yesterday.

Abdul Aziz called on Umno members in the division to remain calm and to continue to focus on the party struggle.

"I’m meeting Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today to discuss Mustapa’s action and measures to be taken to strengthen the party,” he said when contacted in Kota Bharu today.

Yesterday, Mustapa announced his decision to quit Umno after more than four decades of being its member as the party’s approach was no longer in line with the political principles he had been championing.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Umno Veterans chairperson Mohd Rozali Isohak said they were surprised with Mustapa’s decision as he did not show any signs of wanting to do so.

However, the group respected the former minister's stand, he added.

- Bernama