Mukhriz 'almost certain' to be replaced, claims Utusan

It is almost certain that Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir will be replaced from his post, reads the frontpage headline of Umno-owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia today.

Though as the report stated, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that he needs time to consider the matter, especially weighing how it will effect the upcoming 14th general election.

It quoted an unnamed source who was present when Kedah Umno rebels - led by deputy state party chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah - met Najib, who is the Malay party's president, yesterday.

"The prime minister acknowledged that this is what has been voiced out by the division leaders in Kedah. He asked to be given time to come up with a decision, as any action taken must take into account the impact it will have on the upcoming 14th general election.

"Other than that, he also called for state Umno leaders to remain loyal, especially when his decision is announced in the next few days," the source reportedly said.

When met by reporters after their meeting, the Kedah Umno rebel leadership had kept mum, rushing off to their cars and leaving the venue of the meet.

The rebels, led by Ahmad Bashah along with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom and Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid - had met with Najib at about 5pm yesterday.

The meeting lasted for just half an hour before the Umno president left.

The state Umno is in turmoil after Ahmad Bashah declared that the party no longer had confidence in Mukhriz as Kedah MB.

Though Mukhriz has maintained that he has done nothing wrong and has vowed to stay on claiming support from the rakyat, with at least one massive rally to show support for the beleaguered MB held in the state capital of Alor Setar just hours after the rebels announced their campaign to oust him.

Previously, it was speculated that Mukhriz will be offered a federal position to sweeten his exit from Kedah and show that Najib doesn't bore him any animosity, as has been claimed by some parties.

However, it is not clear if this will entail another addition to Malaysia's already burgeoning federal cabinet, or having him replacing somebody else who will then have to step down. -Mkini