Puteri UMNO will help to explain and clarify Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's criticism against Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership to the grassroots.

The movement leaders' meeting with the prime minister, who is also UMNO president, at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Tuesday, was a real relief for them as they were satisfied with Najib's explanation on issues raised by Dr Mahathir.

Pahang Puteri UMNO chief, Azlina Azma Mohd Azmi, said the clarification was vital in view of the upcoming Permatang Pauh and Rompin by-elections.

"We are the ones who will go to the ground and meet the grassroots, particularly in the upcoming by-elections," she told Bernama after the meeting which was attended by Puteri leaders from 178 UMNO divisions out of the total of 191.

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Azlina Azma said the wing also hoped the prime minister would hold a follow-up meeting to explain any arising issue in future.

Puteri UMNO Malaysia vice-chief, Zahida Zarik Khan said the movement was always ready to hold meetings at the grassroots level to explain any current issues highlighted, particularly in the social media.

"We are aware that issues like 1MDB and GST (Goods and Services Tax) are hot topics, so we hope with this explanation we can elaborate on them to the grassroots," she said.

Maran division Puteri UMNO chief Norhidayah Mohd Shahaimi described the meeting as Najib's willingness to always reach out to the grassroots to explain issues.

"Therefore, this meeting was timely as we are now facing the perception challenges. We are satisfied with the explanation given and hope the people will also be clear about the issues," she said.