The action against Umno Youth exco member Mukhriz Mahathir for asking Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down will be decided at the movement's executive committee meeting to be held soon.

hishamuddin hussein Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein said action would be taken against the Mukhriz, the son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in accordance with the party rules.

"I will not run away from my entrusted responsibilities as long as I am the Umno Youth head. I will shoulder the trust and confidence placed in me with full commitment to the movement.

"I consider Mukhriz's action as irresponsible. Umno youth will take appropriate action as provided for under the party rules. We'll wait for the Umno Youth exco meeting to be convened after the announcement on the new cabinet line-up," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

mukhriz mahathir Mukhriz had recently penned a letter to Abdullah asking him to accept full responsibility for Barisan Nasional’s dismal performance in the March 8 polls and step down.

Yesterday, the prime minister said he would leave it to Umno Youth and Hishammuddin to take action against Mukhriz.

Copies of the March 12 letter, which Mukhriz said was his personal letter, was also sent to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno secretary-general Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.

However, the contents of the letter were posted in several websites.

Mukhriz had sent the letter a day after he had pledged support for Abdullah.

Hishammuddin said Mukhriz's action clearly contradicted his pledge of support for the party leadership.

The Umno Youth had earlier voiced support for the Abdullah-Najib leadership.

Public gathering

In another development, the police have warned the public not to participate in a gathering organised by a non-governmental organisation at the Sultan Abdul Aziz park in Ipoh, Perak, tomorrow morning.

Ipoh district police chief Azisman Alias said the police did not issue a permit to the organiser due to public security concerns.

Azisman said he has also met with a representative from the organisation who has promised not to hold the gathering tomorrow.

He said stern action will be taken against those who turn up tomorrow.

Azisman was commenting on the circulation of SMS regarding the gathering purportedly to express support for the Malays and the Perak royal institution.