Mohd Rawi Abd Hamid, who lost the Ayer Hangat state seat in Langkawi in the May general election, was joined by seven Umno branch chiefs.

Rawi today described Umno as a “sinking ship”.

“It is like being a crew member on a 60-year-old ship. We are custodians of the cargo on the ship, which is the rakyat, but the vessel has become rotten and started to sink.

“At this point, I must protect the cargo on my ship,” he told a press conference at a hotel in Alor Setar.

It is believed there are about 500 party members in the seven branches.

Rawi said it was useless for Umno members to remain in the party after its general election defeat.

He claimed more in Kedah would leave Umno.

In recent days, Umno has seen a steady outflow of its MPs. Last week, 10 MPs quit the party, in a blow to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid has since handed over his presidential duties to his deputy Mohamad Hasan.

Rawi, an Umno member for 28 years, said he had to do the “right thing” despite objections from family members.

“I know many will support my move and, at the same time, I will anger some. But for the sake of fighting for the rights of Malays and Muslims, I am willing to do anything.

“And if the party that supports Malays and Muslims like Umno has weakened and failed to meet its goals, then I think it is time for us to leave.”