My university is Umno, Ahmad Bashah tells critics

My university is Umno, said newly sworn-in Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah to critics who had questioned his lack of academic qualifications for the post.

In an interview with Berita Harian, Bashah said he had lost his father at the age of 22 and had to assume responsibilities as the eldest son to provide for an older sister, as well as three younger siblings.

"I was responsible for taking care of them, from their education up to their marriage. I took care of them all until I myself got married late at the age of 35.

"Alhamdulillah, all my younger siblings pursued higher education. Even though I never went to university, it's okay. They are more important," he said.

What he lacks in academic qualifications, Bashah said, is compensated by experience and leadership skills gathered through his many years with Kedah Umno.

"In the beginning, I was personally taught by my father who held an important position in Umno. He was appointed by the menteri besar at that time as Kedah Umno treasurer.

"So I have been in the Kedah political arena for a very long time," he said.

The Kedah Umno deputy chief had on Jan 20 initiated an open war against Mukhriz, declaring that the state's Umno rank-and-file had "lost confidence" in his leadership as menteri besar. -Mkini