As a former prime minister and UMNO president, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad should not be issuing statements that can divide the people and affect harmony, said UMNO secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

He said although Dr Mahathir's action aimed to topple the ruling government, it should not have been done when the people were celebrating the country's 59th Merdeka month.

Tengku Adnan, who is also the Federal Territories Minister, said "Tun Mahathir actually wants to topple the existing government and he will try his level best to say all kinds of things to achieve his objective...you and I heard what he said.

"I don't know what his thoughts are but he should not be doing it. We should actually work together to develop the nation and move forward," he told reporters here today.

Earlier, Tengku Adnan launched the Merdeka Fun Ride Cycling Program 2016 and Jalur Gemilang Adventure Program 2016 at the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya level, here which was participated by 2,500 participants.

He was commenting on the statement by Dr Mahathir recently concerning the Bangsa Johor concept which the former prime minister claimed was aimed at promoting the spirit of parochialism which would only divide the people and promote a unhealthy sense of self-pride.

Subsequently, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar criticised the former prime minister in an English daily concerning the statement and describing him as being ignorant of Johor history.

Commenting further, Tengku Adnan said he believed the people were becoming more confused with Dr Mahathir's action who was willing to admit his mistake in limiting the powers of the Rulers when he found his past action did not favour his present stand.

He said Dr Mahathir was also willing to admit that he was wrong in his action to give freedom to the internet when he realised that this decision would create various problems although during his administration, he had influenced the Cabinet to approve the matter.