Kedah BN reps moving to oust Mukhriz, 3 more names surface for MB post, say reports

Plans are afoot to oust Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir according to provisions in the Kedah Constitution, says a Malay daily today. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, January 24 2016.

Kedah Barisan Nasional assemblyman are attempting to force out Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir in a “constitutional manner” as a back-up plan if the move for a political ouster fails, Malay daily BH Ahad reports today.

A source told the paper that 13 assemblymen have signed a statutory declaration after Friday’s closed-door meeting between Umno Kedah leaders and party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

However, the source, whom BH identified as from Umno Kedah, said statutory declaration was merely a statement of agreement to any decision taken by the party president to settle the dispute.

“Now there are 13 out of 21 assemblymen who support this and we believe we can get another five or six more on our side.

“We want to do it in an organised manner, according to the provisions in the Kedah Constitution. 

“The statuary declaration will be our pledge to the members of the Kedah Sultan Regency Council for consideration, which will be according to the constitution,” the source told the Malay Berita Harian.

Meanwhile, Utusan Malaysia’s Sunday edition, Mingguan Malaysia said three other names to replace Mukhriz were being bandied about.

Before this, only Kedah Umno deputy liaison chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah was touted as a replacement.

Utusan’s report, based on an unnamed source, said the three names were being put forward in case there was “resistance” towards Ahmad.

One of the three is Guar Chempedak assemblyman and state exco for industry and investment, domestic, cooperatives and consumer affairs, Datuk Dr Ku Rahman Ku Ismail, 63, who has a doctorate from a foreign university and is an old name in politics.

“He has on numerous occasions headed delegations to attract foreign investment to Kedah and someone who is seen as not controversial,” the source told Mingguan Malaysia.

Another name going round is Ayer Hangat assemblyman, Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid, who is exco in charge of religious, Siamese community affairs, tourism and heritage and public works.

According to the report, he is a Langkawi native and is seen as the closest leader to the people of Kedah, especially among the scholars and students of pondok or religious schools.

“He is a graduate from the International Islamic University and is among the most vocal in putting forward religious issues in Kedah and is seen as being able to hold the people’s attention given his religious credentials,” Utusan’s report said.

The Umno-owned paper listed Tanjong Dawai assemblyman and exco in charge of education, transport and housing  Datuk Tajul Mat Urus Mat Zain, 64, as the third candidate.

According to the source, Tajul is being considered for the menteri besar post as he is seen to be able to soothe the anger of Mukhriz’s supporters, given that he is graduate of Universiti Sains Malaysia, and from Mukhriz’s camp.

- TMI