Cover image via The Vocket
BREAKING: Kedah UMNO's Ahmad Bashah To Be Sworn In As The New Kedah MB Replacing Mukhriz
Mukhriz Mahathir (left); Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah (right)
Image via Hasnoor Hussain/The Malaysian Insider
Mukhriz Mahathir announced his resignation earlier today, citing loss of support from state leaders as the major reason
Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir has announced his resignation as the Kedah Menteri Besar on Wednesday (3 February) at a packed press conference held at his office in Wisma Darul Aman.
His resignation will take effect immediately.
About two weeks ago, 14 of 15 UMNO divisional leaders in Kedah sparked a revolt against Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, saying that his weak leadership had stalled the state's economy.
**"I'm sorry to say, that as long as [Najib](http://says.com/my/news/photos-graphic-artists-show-solidarity-against-najib-with-clown-faced-sketches) is still there, UMNO is still at its weakest point right now,"Mukhriz added.**
21 JAN: Sacking Mukhriz will cause "bigger split in UMNO", says Muhiyiddin
This statement was released at a press conference today comprising of Kedah UMNO leaders and majority of state and federal lawmakers.
Muhyiddin also pointed out that Mukhriz played the most important role in helping Barisan Nasional in securing Kedah from PAS and deserved to retain his MB post as promised by the prime minister.
Keeping Mukhriz in UMNO will help restore confidence of the people in the party as he is seen to be "clean, liked by the people and is not embroiled in any claims of moral misconduct. A breach of trust or corruption can affect the people's trust towards the party and the state government under his leadership," stated Muhyiddin.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during the sticks up for Mukhriz at the press conference today
Image via malaymailonline.com
Meanwhile, challenged Kedah MB Mukhriz Mahathir said that he will stay on as long as the rakyat supports him when he addressed the 1,000-strong crowd outside Bangunan Tunku Alor Setar last night, 20 January
"Hidup Mukhriz" was chanted by his supporters outside the Kedah UMNO headquarters, rallying for him to stay as menteri besar.
He was greeted by his supporters as he entered the building at 9.50pm for the Jerlun Umno Division meeting on January 20th after Kedah UMNO leaders declared he was no longer fit for the job earlier that day.
There were also loud chantings of "Hancur Najib" heard among the mob of Mukhriz devotees during the rally
Image via freemalaysiatoday.com
The current PM was seen as the reason for Mukhriz's removal who called out on his actions during the 1MDB scandal.
When Mukhriz left the building at 11.30pm upon the dissolvement of the meeting, his supporters pushed to get closer to their hero. Before he disappeared into his car, he left with a statement that lifted their spirits:
20 JAN: Kedah UMNO leaders have started a rebellion against their menteri besar, Muhkriz Mahathir, saying that they have "lost confidence" in his leadership
The outspoken Kedah UMNO deputy chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, has given four reasons on why Mukhriz should no longer be the menteri besar of Kedah, namely:
1. Mukhriz's failure to unite the UMNO party at all levels in the state.
2. The lack of strategic planning in preparation for the much awaited 14th General Election.
3. Failure to move and lead the party's machinery after becoming the menteri besar of the state.
4. Poor management of state administration.
Mukhriz, son of former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has been the menteri besar of Kedah since his victory in the 13th general elections back in 2013.
UMNO leaders at the press conference that was held this afternoon, on appealing for a new leader
Image via Berita Harian
In the "no-confidence" press conference that was held earlier today, a large group of prominent UMNO MPs and leaders expressed their dissatisfaction over Mukhriz's ruling, appealing for a change in leadership for the state of Kedah
Image via The Malaysian Insider
