Mukhriz, PM's Dept give different reasons
Published on: Thursday, February 04, 2016
Mukhriz Mahathir says he was removed as Kedah Menteri Besar because of his criticism of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and RM2.6 billion donation.Mukhriz told a press conference in Wisma Darul Aman that those were the real reasons Umno no longer wanted him to lead the state."The real reason this action was taken against me was because of the criticism I voiced out against the prime minister, just as he admitted himself.
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"The criticism refers to the 1MDB scandal and the RM2.6 billion donation and the burden of living costs on the people due to the GST," he said, shortly after announcing his resignation as Menteri Besar.Mukhriz, however, said he would not quit politics and would carry on working for the people."No, it's in my blood. If people still want me, I will continue."Mukhriz, the son of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was seen sympathetic to former deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was sacked in July last year over his criticism of Najib's handling of the 1MDB affair.
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Mukhriz's removal followed a press conference on January 20 led by state Umno liason deputy chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who urged Mukhriz to be removed citing his weak performance as menteri besar.Ahmad Bashah will be sworn in as Menteri Besar today.
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Meanwhile, the PM's office said Mukhriz was forced to resign as Kedah MB because he lost the majority support of the assemblymen.The PMO said there was a lack of confidence in Mukhriz's leadership as Kedah Umno chief and menteri besar, and his preparation for the 14th general election.It added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak believed Umno and the government had to be disciplined and work "as a united team" to deliver Barisan Nasional's 13th general election manifesto.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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