Several Umno division leaders have come out to demand the resignation of party president and Barisan Nasional chairman Najib Razak, after the party lost control of the federal government and seven states.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — A group of Umno Youth members caused a commotion at the party’s 72nd anniversary celebrations here tonight after they gathered to demand Datuk Seri Najib Razak and other key leaders step down.

It was unclear as to how the ruckus started, but a few Umno members, who were there, said it ignited after a group of some 30 supporters confronted Muhammad Takiuddin Halim, a committee member of the Seputeh division.

Takiuddin had supported the Federal Territories Youth chief’s call for the Umno leadership to take responsibility for the party’s defeat on May 9.

“Everyone who participated must step down,” the Umno Youth member told reporters.

“The older leaders must make way for the younger blood to take over.”

Takiuddin had also demanded that only “clean leaders” lead Umno, while asking for party assets to be returned. He did not explain what the statement referred to.

The fracas lasted for around 10 minutes, and prompted the police to deploy a light strike force to secure the premises.

The fracas lasted for around 10 minutes, and prompted the police to deploy a light strike force to secure the premises. The altercation took place at the entrance of Umno’s headquarters, in Putra World Trade Centre here.

Tonight’s incident came on the back of a growing movement to force Najib’s resignation.

Earlier today, several Umno Youth leaders openly voiced their displeasure and demanded the Umno president resign.

Najib, who attended the anniversary gathering, has kept mum so far.

He left without speaking to the press.