Malaysia's Abdullah wins backing

Mahathir Mohamad's comments sparked concern

Malaysia's ruling Umno party has given its vocal backing to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, who faced criticism from his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad.

Following a meeting of Umno's Supreme Council, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Rezak said Mr Abdullah had its "unanimous" support.

But Umno did not go so far as to censure Mahathir for his remarks.

Mahathir, who resigned in 2003 after 22 years in power, has accused his successor of damaging the country.

Last month he accused Abdullah of surrendering sovereignty to Singapore over a bridge project, and had shown Malaysia was a "country with no guts".

But Najib Rezak said the party's supreme council remained fully behind the prime minister.

"The council also confirms that this stand is backed by all leaders of Umno at national and state level. It must be clearly stated that there are no factions in Umno," he said.