Umno information chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib has urged those close to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to stop instigating him with incorrect information about Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said the situation became worse when the incorrect information was conveyed by Mahathir to the people at the functions he attended.

Muhd Taib also called on all quarters to allow Abdullah to administer the country in his own way.

He said the people should not listen to incorrect information being disseminated about the prime minister's administration as this would only frustrate national development efforts.

"I hope the people will continue to extend their support to the current administration because the accusations being circulated are only aimed at undermining the prime minister's leadership," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

"Tun (Mahathir) is a dynamic leader who has been successful in developing the country. Now, allow Abdullah to develop the country in his own way," he said.

The Umno leader, a former close ally of Mahathir, also called on party members to ignore the allegations made by irresponsible people against Abdullah and focus instead on efforts to strengthen solidarity in the party.

'Like a father'

Meanwhile, Perak Menteri Besar Tajol Rosli Ghazali, who has also come under attack from Mahathir, said he still harbours much respect for the former premier.

On the same note, he said no matter what Mahathir remarked, he would still remain loyal to Abdullah.

At a recent function, Mahathir had flayed Tajol and Perlis Menteri Besar Shahidan Kassim over their unwavering support for the current prime minister.

"I will continue to respect Mahathir. It's the same with our fathers...whatever happens, sometimes we don't agree with him, but he's still our father," he said.

In a related development, the Umno supreme council has been urged to work towards arranging a meeting between Abdullah and Mahathir as soon as possible.

The call was made during the Masjid Tanah Umno Youth division's meet in Melaka on Saturday, which was officiated by Mahathir's son and Youth exco Mukhriz.

"The wing is against the suggestion to use a mediator (to heal the rift) as we are concerned that certain irresponsible quarters may take advantage of it," its chief Rozamri Rokambul told malaysiakini.

The wing also reminded cabinet ministers not to make the situation worse with their overzealous statements and criticisms against Mahathir.

Rozamri said the wing was worried that Umno could see a split similar to what had happened after former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was sacked from the party in 1998.