UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan regarded the action of group led by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in forming a new party as a threat to the country's political stability.

He said it clearly showed that the group was playing dirty in wanting to oust Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

"For 25 years, we sow the seeds of UMNO's struggle in Sabah, and now we have people asking us to migrate to a new party. This cannot be allowed as this is not like changing clothes.

"The solution to the political crisis is simple. If they want to topple the party president and become the new leader, they must do it the proper way, through an election.

"If they win, they will surely get the support, but forming a new party is like shaming oneself. When they cannot bring down the president, they play dirty by making various accusations.

"When that is not enough, they seek outside quarters to threaten political stability and interfere in our country affairs," he added.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department told this to reporters after the opening the Sandakan UMNO divisional meeting, as well as its Wanita, Youth and Puteri delegates meetings here Sunday.

Also present were Sandakan UMNO division head Tan Sri Ampong Puyon, its Wanita chief Noraini Sulong, Youth chief Fakaruddin Ampong and Puteri leader Siti Haiba Abd Majid.

The meeting tabled several resolutions, including on the lack of housing projects in Sandakan and implementation of the minimum wage.