The Petaling Jaya Utara Umno division does not approve the move by its Youth wing to invite former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to speak at a function called ' jasamu dikenang ' (remembering your contributions) in conjunction with its meeting tomorrow.

Division chief Ikhwan Salim Sujak said the Youth wing did not consult the division to get its permission to invite Mahathir.

In fact, he warned that the wing's action could cause a split in the division.

Ikhwan, who will officiate the meeting at the Tropicana Golf & Country Club in Petaling Jaya, also questioned the rationale behind inviting the former Umno president.

"There is no rationale in calling Mahathir who no longer has power. It's as if we are looking backwards," he said when contacted.

"What will happen if he (Mahathir) continues to attack Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi? The party will break up and it will only benefit the opposition," he added.

Ikhwan said the party should be looking at those in power to give talks on their visions and not past leaders.

No benefit

Expressing sadness over the wing's decision, he noted that Mahathir's presence will not bring any benefit to the division.

However, he said even if the Youth wing and the division hold different viewpoints, it will not affect their relationship.

Ikhwan said he has always supported the wing's leader Mohd Azli Mohd Saad with the hope that he will take over the division in future.

Contacted later, Mohd Azli said the wing previously informed the division about its decision to invite Mahathir.

At that point, he added, there was no rift between Mahathir and Abdullah.

"I received the full support of the wing to invite Mahathir," he said, adding that the younger generation can learn much from the experienced leader.