I was forced to support Mukhriz’s sacking, says assemblyman

Kota Seputeh assemblyman Datuk Abu Hassan Sarif seen in tears during a gathering with supporters of Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir yesterday. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Hasnoor Hussain, January 27, 2016. 

Kedah Umno representative Datuk Abu Hassan Sarif said he was "hunted down" and "forced" to support the ouster of Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir as Kedah menteri besar.

In a tearful confession before a gathering of Mukhriz’s supporters in Ayer Hitam last night, Hassan said he did his best to defend Mukhriz.

"I know our menteri besar well. I did what I could to keep Mukhriz, although I was not as good as others, we have a duty and responsibility as assemblymen to defend Mukhriz.

"I ran, was lost and almost fell, hunted just to obtain something from me," Abu Hassan, the Kota Seputeh assemblyman, told the crowd, while pledging his support for Mukhriz before the crowd.

Hassan did not speak in detail about why he was pressed but separately, sources said 19 state  assemblpersons had been made to sign a statutory declaration (SD) to reject Mukhriz's leadership.

Abu Hassan, however, did not clearly state if he signed the document.

He said it was sad that a leader so loved by the people was being deposed in a disgraceful manner.

"I have never cried in front of my wife and children, we men have egos but now I am crying in front of my family and friends," he said.

Abu Hassan also said he defended Mukhriz in a meeting with Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Putrajaya yesterday with other Kedah representatives.

"Give time, I told the PM, give time to Mukhriz and let him complete his term.

"Let him do his job as he is a leader favoured by the people and not one to make empty talk."

Abu Hassan said he also advised his colleagues not to merely chase position and power.

Mukhriz also spoke at the gathering last night, saying he had done nothing corrupt that deserved his removal from the menteri besar post.

He is facing calls to resign by a group led by Kedah Umno deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.

To date, 19 assemblymen have reportedly signed a statutory declaration to state that their loss of confidence in his leadership.

- TMI