Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he could smell the mastermind behind the 34 branches which are said to be against Umno president and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, and wanted him to step down.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said he felt there is a mastermind using the 34 branch leaders nationwide.

“As a senior party leader, I could 'smell' the mastermind behind those who (want Najib to step down),” he told reporters after attending a high-level meeting between Malaysia-China today.

He, however, felt the calls or actions would not affect Najib's position as prime minister as the 34 do not represent the 21,000 Umno branches nationwide.

“I am not trying to negate their (34 branches') efforts but we need to know there are 21,000 Umno branches nationwide,” he said.

He urged the mastermind behind such plans to stop influencing the Umno branches and use the proper channels to criticise.

“Use the proper channels according to party regulations or existing laws. I don't want to strike out anyone but this has to be respected by all members and party leaders.”

On Saturday, it was reported that 34 branches from five states have openly asked Najib to resign as party president.

The statement was issued by Taman PD Utama branch leader Mohd Isa Mohd Yasin after the 34 branches from Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Johor, Perak and Sabah attended a get-together meeting which lasted for an hour.

Mohd Isa said they are united in wanting Najib to resign as he had lost the credibility to be a leader and continue to lead Umno.