ALOR STAR, MALAYSIA - "Backdoor" deals between PAS and Umno would further ruin Barisan Nasional, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

He said Umno should not leave out its partners when making deals with PAS.

"It is not nice to leave out others (in the coalition)," he told reporters after opening an art exhibition in conjunction with Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid's centennial celebration here yesterday.

The Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, opened the centennial celebration in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee festivities.

Dr Mahathir was asked to comment on the high-level talks between PAS and Umno on issues concerning Malays and Islam.

He advised Umno not to turn its back on its partners in the coalition.

"What will MCA, Gerakan and MIC say?" he asked.

He warned that Barisan Nasional was already in ruins, with members of component parties "running away".

"MCA leaders are leaving the party, Gerakan is being left behind, and the MIC will be left with only Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu at the rate members are leaving the party," he said.

Dr Mahathir said Barisan could only be saved if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi steps down.