Umno information chief Annuar Musa added that the ageing former premier was upset that Mukhriz had failed to move up after several attempts.

“Mukhriz contested for the position of Umno youth division chief but he lost. We still allowed him to contest to become the national youth chief. No other person who had lost at the divisional level was ever allowed to do so, yet we gave him the opportunity.”

He said Mukrhriz later contested for the vice-presidency but lost.

“Mahathir was of course hurt by this and felt that Umno had not given his son the proper chance to hold important posts in the party. That put us in a difficult position.”

Annuar told reporters at the Parliament lobby today that despite a lack of grassroots support for Mukhriz, the party leadership had bent over backwards to make him the Menteri Besar of Kedah.

Mukhriz, however, failed to fulfil his responsibility, said Annuar.

“But as a father I understand his (Mahathir) disappointment which caused him to retaliate against the party. However, deep down in my heart I believe Mahathir knows what he’s doing is inappropriate but perhaps he feels he has no other choice. So just let him be.”

The Ketereh MP added that party members felt hurt by Mahathir’s hypocrisy, which was apparent when Mahathir changed his stance on street demonstrations.

“We know how we had to defend Mahathir when (sacked deputy prime minister) Anwar Ibrahim led months-long demonstrations against Mahathir.

“At the time Mahathir said street politics was not our way as we have to follow the rules and regulations in place. So now we are confused as to why he is going back on everything he preached in the past.”