The Deputy Prime Minister said he faced flaxs from those who nursed a deep hatred of the party and its leaders, especially Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to the point of being called an "apple polisher", "strong helper" and "strong defender" of the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also UMNO vice-president, said he defended the Prime Minister under the spirit of esprit de corp after being entrusted with helping Najib.

"We don't catch the skipper and throw him into the sea when the ship is hit by a storm or buffeted by waves. In accordance with religion, every leader will definitely be tested in a struggle," he said.

He said this in his speech in a ceremony to hand over schooling aid to 2,991 primary school pupils in the Bagan Datoh Parliamentary constituency Saturday.

Ahmad Zahid also urged the people not to overly despise UMNO and its leaders because they must realise and remember the deeds and contributions of the sacred party to them all these while.

"UMNO is not just a political party but it is also a social institution which has not only interpreted the political agenda but also coloured numerous activities whether in the fields of education, religion, economy and social, in fact, more importantly, so that our nation become more peaceful.

"These are what UMNO fought over without marginalising any religion, race or culture," he said.

Ahmad Zahid also urged parents to value their children as assets and be willing to invest in their education.

He said UMNO, as the ruling party, was willing to invest in eduction such as helping to pay school fees and providing pocket money and text books.

"No country in the world, whether rich, developing or poor, pay the school fees of students. Only Malaysia does so, and, not only that, poor pupils also receive other aid such as breakfast, clothes and pocket money," he said.

Also present was Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahadzir Khalid.