The attack on Ahmad Bashah came from sacked Umno Batu Kawan deputy divisional leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan in an online posting.

Recounting Ahmad Bashah’s role this week in spearheading a revolt against Mukhriz Mahathir as Kedah menteri besar, Khairuddin came to Mukhriz’s defence, saying:

“[Ahmad] whilst sleeping at the Balai Rong Seri Istana Anak Bukit [Kedah], harboured dreams of being the Menteri Besar of Kedah”.

It was a reference to Ahmad Bashar, deputy head of Kedah Umno, nodding off during a palace ceremony.

Khairuddin suggested that “Ahmad Bashah should emulate the values and loyalty of Sharkar Shamsuddin in Pahang”, where a multitude of issues had became national controversies, plaguing the Pahang menteri besar.

Yet it never crossed Sharkar’s mind to immorally usurp power in Pahang,” said Khairuddin, who urged Kedah Umno dissenters to channel their grievances in a proper manner. They should have consulted Mukhriz and kept their dissatisfaction an internal issue, he said.

Khairuddin is a staunch supporter of Mukhriz’s father, former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who has waged a year-long campaign to oust Najib Razak as Umno president and prime minister.

The revolt against Mukhriz is viewed as a proxy battle between Najib and Mahathir supporters.

Khairuddin called out the “hypocrisy of Umno leaders” and mockingly added that the Kedah No. 2 should resign in order to spend his “24 hours sleeping at home”.

He urged Mukhriz to take stern action as “strictness is very important in leadership”, alluding to suspension of Umno membership, in the same manner as Najib did when faced with calls from Umno division leaders to step down.