Umno state leaders have voiced their disappointment at Mukhriz Mahathir's criticisms of the party president's speech and are calling for an emergency ex-co meeting to be held on the matter.

The youth leaders told reporters today that as a result of his criticisms, Mukhriz has lost the respect of the party's grassroots and the leadership.

Mukhriz had criticised Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's speech on Wednesday, commenting to reporters that there was nothing new in the PM's speech and that the anti-corruption drive is just rhetoric with little action taken by the government.

Nine state youth leaders led by Johor youth chief Razali Ibrahim held a press conference today to voice their disapproval at the criticisms which they described as insulting the party leadership.

"We are expressing the opinions of the grassroots and the leadership on Mukhriz's comments. What he said is divisive to the party. It was an insult," said Razali, who is also Muar MP.

Not present were leaders from Terengganu, Selangor, Kedah and Perak.

Razali however said that the groups were busy with other matters, but they have also disapprove Mukhriz's criticisms. After a meeting last night, all the state youth leaders had agreed that he crossed the line, said Razali.

"This is not the first time he has dissenting views. He is testing the patience of the institution. He has lost the respect of people at the grassroots level and those in the leadership as well."

"When Mukhriz gave his comments about the prime minister's speech, he did not seek the opinions of the state youth leaders."

"We would like to remind delegates that they should not insult the leadership. The things he mentioned were raised before and have been published in the media."

Razali said that the concerns raised by the youth leaders were nothing personal.

"We love Mukhriz, but we also love the party. Some of us are good friends of him. We don't want Mukhriz to fall. We don't have an agenda. He is an exco member selected by us," said Razali.

"We urge the exco to hold an emergency meeting to discuss this issue," he said.

Against collective decision

Asked by reporters whether the group had approached Mukhriz and voice their disappointment, they said they did not talk to him because it was not the proper procedure, Razali replied, "We are only state youth leader. This is not the way to do it."

To another question on whether they were being 'yes men', Razali replied, "I don't like the term 'yes men'. This is not a good description. Mukhriz should have reserved his opinions for the winding-up. Making such a statement before that is not proper."

He said that the group is awaiting a response from Mukhriz.

Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Hishamuddin Hussein clarified that Mukhriz's views on the presidential policy address should not be seen as a 'criticism' but going against the movement's collective decision.

"We supported the policy speech. We have made a collective stand and we have a collective responsibility. Anything that goes against our policy means there is no discipline in our movement," said Hishamuddin.

Speaking to reporters in the media room of the Putra World Trade Centre, Hishamuddin said any decision by the movement against Mukhriz would depend on the latter's response.

"The ball is now in his court," he added.

Mukhriz did not comment when approached by malaysiakini after the Friday prayers, "No comments for now. We'll see what happens."

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