Ahmad Bashah sworn in as 12th Kedah MB

Kedah Umno deputy chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanapiah was sworn in as the new Kedah menteri besar at the Istana Anak Bukit today.

Bashah is the state's 12th menteri besar and he replaced Mukhriz Mahathir, who relinquished his post after the majority of the Kedah assemblypersons lost confidence in his leadership.

The son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad held the post since May 6, 2013, after BN wrested Kedah from PAS at the 13th general election.

Bashah's role in spearheading a coup against Mukhriz led to a two-week political crisis which ended after the Regency Council met with the 21 BN and 15 opposition representatives.

As Bashah slipped into his new role, criticism of him dozing off during an official ceremony has gone viral.

Today, a snapshot of TV1 clip of Bashah shutting his eyes during the swearing-in ceremony is making the rounds.

Yesterday, he said he did not nap during a function at the palace, dismissing the allegation made by Mukhriz when announcing his resignation.

“I was not asleep, just closed my eyes in order to appreciate (menghayati) the Tuanku’s speech at the palace.

"Sometimes, I feel I can concentrate more like that," Bashah had said. -Mkini