Mukhriz's resignation: PM wants disciplined, united team

Mukhriz Mahathir had to resign as Kedah menteri because he lost the support of the majority of his state assemblypersons, read a brief statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

"This was due to a lack of confidence in his leadership, both as menteri besar and state party leader, and concerns that better preparations were needed to retain Kedah in the 14th general election.

"The prime minister believes the party and government must be disciplined and work together as a united team to combat the economic and security challenges Malaysia currently faces, and to deliver on the promises made in the last general election when BN was given a mandate by the people.

"Kedah Umno has demonstrated their support for these principles of party unity and discipline," it stated.

After some two weeks of political turmoil, Mukhriz tendered his resignation this morning but vowed not to remain silent.

Speculation is rife that his ouster had nothing to do with his leadership, but rather his father Dr Mahathir Mohamad's vitriolic campaign against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Last July, the prime minister had removed Muhyiddin Yassin as deputy prime minister and Mohd Shafie Apdal as agriculture and agro-based industries minister.

The two were vocal about the 1MDD issue, which is now the focal point of an international investigation.

Mahathir, on the other hand, has accused Najib of numerous misdeeds and warned that BN would lose in the next general election if he continued to lead the coalition.

The prime minister, however, denied abusing public funds for personal gain and blamed such allegations on those conspiring to topple him.

Last Tuesday, attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali cleared Najib of any wrongdoing in the cases of the RM2.6 billion and RM42 million deposited into his bank accounts.

However, detractors remain unconvinced, and applications have been filed seeking judicial review. -Mkini