UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the effort of masterminding a plot to topple the government through undemocratic means by a top UMNO leader, should be taken seriously.

Hishammuddin who also defence minister said it was a serious matter and it would not have been brought up without any facts and basis to convince the people and UMNO members.

However, he advised UMNO members at the grassroots level to leave it the party's leadership to handle this matter and to seek further evidence.

"To me it is a serious matter and must be discussed at the top leadership, including the form of actions to be taken.

"But I am confident the deputy prime minister has the relevant evidence. Let us discuss about it," said Hishammuddin after opening the Kuala Krau UMNO division meeting on Sunday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Saturday revealed that there were attempts to topple the government by a ‘certain leader’ from the governing party (UMNO).

Zahid also expressed his surprise as the ‘leader’ leading the conspiracy was from UMNO itself, adding that the information was obtained from a reliable source.