The UMNO Veterans Club is opposed to any effort to topple UMNO President and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak via undemocratic means.
Its secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said 800,000 club members would stand firm behind the nation's number one leader and defend UMNO from being destroyed.
"The veterans will ensure Najib's leadership stays until the UMNO delegates decide at the election in 2018," he said in a statement here, today.
He was commenting on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's action on Friday in leading a group of over 50 people, including Lim Kit Siang of DAP and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali of Parti Keadilan Rakyat in signing a declaration supporting the ouster of Najib as prime minister.
READ: Tun M, Opposition leaders sign 'Citizens Declaration' seeking removal of Najib as PM
READ : Citizens' Declaration does not represent 30 million Malaysians - Salleh
Other signatories included former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir and former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.
Mustapha said the action of the former prime minister in working with the opposition to make a declaration to topple Najib was akin to destroying the sacred institution, UMNO.
He reminded Dr Mahathir that Najib was unanimously selected in an open UMNO election without the conditions that was imposed by the former prime minister.
"As such, they will be facing the veterans. The veterans will declare war against anybody who wants to destroy UMNO. Better to be dead and buried rather than living the life of a coward without self-respect.
He also regarded Dr Mahathir's action in leading the group and allowing himself to be used by DAP as a desperate act to achieve his aim of toppling Najib.
"All these are being done on the pretext of saving Malaysia. It seems ousting Najib can save Malaysia. Purportedly, too, Najib's ouster does not mean toppling the Barisan Nasional government," he added.
Bernama
Sun Mar 06 2016
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Friday, signed a declaration with the countrys former leaders, Opposition leaders, political activists and leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGO). - AFP / MOHD RASFAN
China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.
Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.
Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.
Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.
UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.
Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.
More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.
Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream")
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.
Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.
Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.
US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.
Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.
China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.
Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.
Trump and Musk target tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators for job cuts
Concerns grow over transparency, oversight, and Musk's influence on government operations.