Sombre mood at Dr Mahathir’s Alor Star home after Mukhriz’s resignation

© Provided by The Malaysian Insider Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and his mother Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali in Alor Star after he announced his resignation as Kedah menteri besar today. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Hasnoor Hussain…The air was sombre at the home of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Titi Gajah, Alor Star as family members and supporters gather to extend their moral support to the family after his son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir announced his resignation as Kedah menteri besar today.

PAS MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar was among those who paid a visit to Mukhriz at the residence at 11.30am.

Mukhriz's mother Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali arrived at noon and appeared to be distraught as she embraced her son.

He escorted her to a private room, appearing to console her, shortly after.

After a quick rest here, Mukhriz is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur at 3.45pm today.

After relinquishing his post earlier, he will be replaced by Kedah Umno deputy liaison chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who had led the call for his ouster in a press conference on January 20, sparking a leadership crisis that lasted more than two weeks.

Following his appointment, Ahmad Bashah is letting go his senatorship and position as deputy minister for Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism.

He is expected to hand in his official resignation for the two posts to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today.