PEKAN, MALAYSIA: Politicians who are not chosen as election candidates and their supporters should not sabotage the party, said Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"If there is an act to sabotage the party, it means that are committing disciplinary offences.

"This is considered as going overboard and action can be taken. However, I do hope the situation will not reach such an extent," he told reporters after presenting awards to Risda smallholders and aid to flood victims.

Najib was commenting on protests staged by supporters of those who were dropped as candidates.

He said he understood the feeling of the supporters.

"However, the most important thing is to accept the decision and continue to work to ensure success for the party.

"When the time comes for you to step down, you must accept this fact," he said.

On last-minute lobbying for certain candidates to be included, Najib hoped such a thing should not happen.

"There will be no end and unless there is a solid reason why we cannot reject (a name), only then consideration will be made," he said.

"Otherwise, it will open the floodgate for people to place more pressure on us and the decision made by the leader will no longer be respected," he added.

Najib also advised everyone including party supporters to refrain from getting involved in any unbecoming behaviour and to respect the law during the elections.