PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - An Umno leader wants Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to resign as party deputy president as he is "no longer on the same path with the president."

"When I examine Muhyiddin's statements, I find that most of them are manipulated.

"We only need sincere and honest leaders, not those who try to tear the party apart," Sungei Besar Umno chairman Datuk Jamal Yunos said in a statement.

Jamal urged Muhyiddin to withdraw from the political arena and allow other leaders to continue with the party's struggle.

"He has given statements that publicly oppose the president's stance, especially in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd issue.

"Muhyiddin's open criticism of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak led to opposition parties taking advantage and sensationalise the 1MDB isssue," he added.

"If he sincerely wishes to help the party, he would have made every effort to foster and strengthen the party. Instead, he has caused internal rife," said Jamal.

He urged Muhyiddin to "take a break" from the political arena and give a chance to other leaders who can cooperate with Najib to continue the party's struggle.