Penang Umno has thrown its support behind Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak amidst intense leadership crisis in the party.

However, the support is not given "blindly", state Umno liaison chief Zainal Abidin Osman said.

"Based on practise, principles and tradition, we support the leadership of the party but it is not blind support," he said at a press conference after meeting division leaders at Menara Umno in Georgetown.

"At times there are differences between Penang Umno and the national leadership or with Putrajaya but we always discuss and resolves our differences internally.

"Najib is open to the issues we raise and has always tried to resolves the problems in a good way. He does not feel Penang Umno is beyond control," he said.

Nevertheless, Zainal Abidin (left) urged the Public Accounts Committee to conduct a thorough probe on Najib's pet project 1Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB).

Police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should probe those involved if there is any element of corruption, he said.

Zainal Abidin also wants the Auditor-General ensure there are no irregularities in the management of the firm, which has recorded a staggering RM42 billion in debts.

The Auditor-General's Department has commenced an audit on 1MDB upon Najib's instructions, and its findings will be scrutinised by the PAC.

Be patient, Dr M

The finance ministry firm's large debts is among the criticisms hurled at Najib's leadership by his former boss and ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

"With due great respect to the former PM, we urged him to be patient until the probe on 1MDB is completed," said Zainal Abidin.

Accompanying Zainal Abidin at the press conferences are several top Umno leaders like Penang opposition leader Jahara Hamid, MPs Reezal Merican Naina Merican (Kepala Batas), Shabuddin Yahya (Tasek Gelugor),  Dr Helmi Yahya (Balik Pulau) and 13 division leaders.

Umno leadership throughout the nation has taken turns to voice their support for Najib.

All eyes were on Kedah Umno , headed by Mahathir's son Mukhriz (above) because it has thus far been silent.

Kedah assemblyperson Ahmad Lebai Sudin yesterday urged Mukhriz to step down as Kedah Menteri Besar if he does not support Najib, prompting fears of a split in the state.

However, Mukhriz today replied that the state Umno had met last week and decided to announce their stand April 24 before the Umno supreme council meeting later that day in Kuala Lumpur.

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