What prompted the move to oust Kedah Mentri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir?

Question

Accepted Answer

Mukhriz Mahathir's Ouster Bid Falters Amidst Partner Withdrawal and Disputed Support

An attempt by some within Kedah Umno to remove Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir as mentri besar appears to be faltering due to a lack of support from coalition partners and disputed claims of backing. The move, driven by discontent within Umno over Mukhriz's leadership, has been complicated by the MCA's decision to abstain from the ouster bid, leaving the anti-Mukhriz faction short of the necessary votes to prove a loss of confidence.
Disputed Statutory Declarations Undermine Ouster Effort

The core of the move to unseat Mukhriz Mahathir involved the collection of statutory declarations (SDs) from state assemblymen. It was initially claimed that 19 assemblymen, comprising 17 from Umno and two from MCA, had signed SDs supporting Mukhriz's removal. However, the two MCA representatives subsequently denied signing any such documents and stated their intention to remain uninvolved in Umno's internal affairs. This denial significantly weakened the anti-Mukhriz faction, leaving them with the support of only 17 state assemblymen, which is two short of the minimum 19 required to demonstrate a majority no longer has confidence in the mentri besar.
Internal Umno Divisions and Allegations of Coercion

Within Umno, the opposition to Mukhriz Mahathir's leadership was led by Kedah Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanifah, who presented a delegation of 14 Umno division chiefs, state, and federal lawmakers expressing their loss of confidence. The stated reasons for this discontent included Mukhriz's alleged failure to govern the state effectively, his inability to unite the party, and a perceived lack of strategy for the upcoming general elections. However, Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi, head of Umno Youth’s Bendang Baru branch in Langkawi, suggested that some state assemblymen might have been politically pressured into signing the SDs, casting doubt on the voluntary nature of their support.
Coalition Dynamics and Palace's Role

The political landscape in Kedah comprises 36 state seats, with the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition holding 21 seats, divided between 19 Umno and two MCA representatives, while the opposition holds 15. The withdrawal of MCA's support is crucial, as it prevents the Umno faction opposed to Mukhriz from reaching the threshold needed to formally challenge his position. Akhramsyah also indicated that any decision regarding the leadership would ultimately rest with the Kedah palace, suggesting that the submission of SDs does not automatically lead to removal and that the palace may not be in favour of the current political maneuvering.
Leadership Engagements Amidst Uncertainty

In the wake of the leadership tussle, both Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanifah reportedly met separately with Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the Umno president and Prime Minister. Despite these meetings, no definitive announcement regarding a decision on the matter has been made. Meanwhile, Ahmad Bashah has reportedly claimed that no assemblyman was forced to sign the SDs, contradicting the allegations of coercion raised by Akhramsyah.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What prompted the move to oust Kedah Mentri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends