Hundreds, led by a local Umno leader, staged a protest against Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat over his 'divine retribution' prayer for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

NONEThe protesters gathered at about 10am at the Kota Darul Naim state administration complex, which houses Nik Aziz's office, and submitted a memorandum to his secretary Annual Bakhri Haron.

The memorandum urged the PAS spiritual leader to apologise to Najib and step down as menteri besar.

NONELed by Pasir Mas Umno division deputy chief Che Johan Che Pa, the protesters also carried banners and placards condemning Nik Aziz.

Contacted later, Che Johan told Malaysiakini that the gathering was organised by the newly-established Jemaah Rakyat Prihatin Kelantan or Group of Concerned Kelantanese.

It is understood that members of Umno Youth and Puteri Umno along with those from the fishermen associations, kickboxing clubs and rickshaw drivers associations participated in the protest.

'We are giving him 24 hours'

NONE"We are giving Nik Aziz 24 hours to retract his statement," said Che Johan.

Nik Aziz threatened to perform the prayers against Najib following the federal government's refusal to accord oil royalty to the Kelantan government, against a prior agreement.

The menteri besar has denied harbouring ill-will towards the premier, but said that he merely wanted Allah to "correct Najib's mindset" so that he fulfills the terms of the agreement inked during the tenure of his father, Abdul Razak Hussein.

According to Bernama, Kelantan police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the protest is being investigated.