KOTA BHARU (Sept 19): Jeli UMNO deputy chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Derashid will take over as acting Jeli UMNO leader which has been vacated by Jeli Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed following his decision in leaving the party yesterday.

Abdul Aziz called on UMNO members in the division to remain calm and to continue to focus on the party struggle.

"I’m meeting UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today to discuss Mustapa’s action and measures to be taken to strengthen the party,” he said when contacted here today.

Yesterday, Mustapa, who is also Air Lanas State assemblyman and former International Trade and Industry Minister, announced his decision to quit UMNO after more than four decades of being its member as the party’s approach was no longer in line with the political principles he had been championing.

Meanwhile, chairman of Kelantan UMNO Veterans, Datuk Mohd Rozali Isohak said they were surprised with Mustapa’s decision as he did not show any signs of wanting to do so.

However, we respect his stand, he added.