Umno supreme council is expected to discuss Dr Mahathir Mohamad's position as a government-appointed advisor to several state-owned companies and agencies this Thursday.

According to a Utusan Malaysia report today, the decision to raise the issue in the meeting was deemed necessary in an effort to end the on-going spat between Mahathir and his hand-picked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Following Mahathir's renewed attacks on Abdullah's leadership, several Umno leaders have openly spoken about the possibility of Mahathir leaving the party. Several other leaders have called on Mahathir to relinquish his government-given posts.

At present, Mahathir sits as an advisor to Petronas, Proton dan Langkawi Development Authority (Lada).

The Malay daily today quoted Umno executive secretary Husainay Hashim as saying that matters pertaining to party's interest and well-being will be discussed in the supreme council meeting.

"Definitely anything that involved the party, including the spat between Mahathir and Pak Lah will be discussed during the Umno supreme council meeting on Nov 2," he told Utusan Malaysia yesterday.

Over the weekend, Kedah Menteri Besar Mahadzir Khalid and Public Enterprise Minister Khaled Nordin had been the most vocal in criticising Mahathir over his attacks on Abdullah.

Mahdzir said Mahathir must disassociate himself from the government if the former prime minister continues to find faults with the government.

Meanwhile, Khaled said that Umno and the government should review Mahathir's position as advisor to government agencies.

Khaled added such an action would serve as a reminder to Mahathir that the party and the government disapproved his criticism against Abdullah.

The minister however said that any decision to terminate Mahathir as advisor to those government agencies was in the hand Abdullah, who is also the party president.

No to expulsion

Utusan Malaysia also reported that the Terengganu Umno had urged Mahathir to apologise to Abdullah for criticising the government.

Its secretary, Rosol Wahid however said that it was not wise for the party to expel Mahathir from Umno as it could create bigger problems that would affect the unity within the party.

"Mahathir should be given the opportunity to apologise to the Prime Minister before any action is taken against him," he said.

Meanwhile, the Kedah Umno Youth has suggested that Mahathir's membership in Umno be suspended.

Its chief, Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid said the action is deemed appropriate as Mahathir's controversial statements had affected the party.

Mahathir has immunity

Meanwhile Bernama quoted Umno information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib as saying that the party has not come to a stage to take disciplinary action against its former president.

He said this was because Mahathir has something like an "immunity".

"I call upon Tun (Mahathir) to reduce his public attacks on the Prime Minister," he added.

He also said that Mahathir could continue to give his views or criticisms through informal meetings without publicity.