Party President Najib Razak said the issue arose following Umno Youth Vice-Chief Khairul Azwan Harun’s suggestion for the government to stop all financial assistance to the foundation.

“Based on his suggestion, the Supreme Council has unanimously decided that we will ask the government to cease all forms of financial contributions to the foundation.

“This includes the allocation provided for its maintenance and also the employees provided for the running of the foundation,” he told a press conference after the party’s monthly Supreme Council meeting here today.

According to Najib, who is also the prime minister, the foundation had been used as a meeting centre to discuss and formulate plans aimed at toppling the “democratically elected” government through unconstitutional means.

“Hence, there is no reason for the government to continue providing the foundation with any form of contribution.

“Its employees will be given proper termination notice soon.”

Supreme Council member Reezal Naina Merican had earlier confirmed that the issue was among the topics discussed during the meeting.

He said while the party welcomed constructive criticism, its members should not cross the line.

“When you go against this principle, action must be taken. There has to be some kind of a reaction from the party or else we will be seen as impotent.”

This afternoon, Mahathir, in a blog post, said he had no qualms about funding being cut for the foundation.

Mahathir, in a blog posting earlier today, said he was ready to have the foundation taken away from him but was only sad at the thought of the country’s future.

“I wish to thank Umno Youth deputy chief Khairul for suggesting the government stop all financial assistance to the Perdana Leadership Foundation, including wages.

“I accept this. Seize it … I will not feel loss when the seizure is made,” wrote the nation’s longest-serving former premier.