The movement's chief, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, said the executive council, of which the former premier Mahathir Mohamad's son is a member, would discuss his unsanctioned action after the Cabinet line-up was formed.

'He has said his letter was his personal opinion so it shouldn't be out on the Internet.

'I don't know who released it.

'Even though he may have acted in his personal capacity, it is an irresponsible act and we will take action through the proper channel after the Cabinet line-up is announced.

'What Mukhriz has done is contrary to our stand to fully support the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister,' he said after a meeting with MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai, Gerakan Youth chief Datuk Mah Siew Keong and MIC Youth chief S.A. Vigneswaran yesterday.

On what action Mukhriz, who is the Youth wing's International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisation bureau chairman, might face, he said the executive council would decide on it. Mukhriz had written a letter to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi asking him to do the honourable thing and step down, following the ruling coalition's dismal showing in the 12th general election.

He sent copies of the letter to Umno leaders, namely deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, vice-president Datuk Wira Ali Rustam, vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and secretary-general Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.

Penang Umno has also called for Datuk Mukhriz to be sacked from the party.

Its secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said such a person was not fit to be a national Youth leader.

'We condemn his actions strongly and demand that Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein sack him,' he said during a gathering of Umno state leaders at Tasek Gelugor MP Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop's house here yesterday.

Selangor Umno Youth chief Shukor Idrus told a press conference that it was both boorish and callous of Datuk Mukhriz to have written the letter and circulated its copies.

'He should have brought whatever grievances he had to the party's internal machinery and not publicise the matter,' said Datuk Shukor. - The Star/ANN.