KOTA KINABALU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A Sabah Umno division has asked for disciplinary action to be taken against deputy party president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Penampang Umno division passed a resolution for Tan Sri Muhyiddin to be censured for failing to uphold the party's good name, integrity and honour. This is the first resolution on censuring the former Deputy Prime Minister.

The division claimed that Mr Muhyiddin had violated Article 20.8 of the Umno Constitution in his speeches at the Cheras, Pagoh, Kemaman, Kluang and Semporna division meetings where his words were negative in nature and detrimental to the party.

Mr Muhyiddin's "wrongdoings" included that of him openly speaking about his private conversation with the party president on party and national issues, the resolution stated.

"Such action should not be done by any Umno members, especially by the deputy president," the resolution said.

A motion to act against Mr Muhyiddin was raised by Nambazan branch chief Fredie Suah at the division meeting on Saturday.

The division said that although Mr Muhyiddin's speeches could be deemed as advice, his message sounded negative and so would damage Umno's image.

"In fact, what the deputy president has done can destroy and bury the party in the next general election," it said.

The division said Mr Muhyiddin could have spoken or written to Prime Minister Najib Razak to express his views if he disagreed with the latter.

Penampang Umno chief John Ambrose said the division approved the resolution as no member was above the party rules.

"As a deputy president, Muhyiddin should lead by example for other members to respect party regulations but his actions proved otherwise," he said.

In pressing for disciplinary action against the party No. 2, Datuk Ambrose added: "If Muhyiddin is not satisfied with explanations and actions of the president, he can leave Umno and not be a thorn in the party's flesh."

Mr Muhyiddin could not be reached for comment; he is said to be abroad.