PETALING JAYA: A Kedah Opposition MP boycotted the swearing-in ceremony of the state’s new Menteri Besar, Ahmad Bashah Md Hanifah, today.
MP for Pokok Sena Mahfuz Omar said he made the decision to skip the ceremony held at the Kedah Palace, to register his solidarity with Ahmad Bashah’s predecessor, Mukhriz Mahathir, who relinquished his post yesterday.
In a statement he issued, Mahfuz reiterated his firm belief that Ahmad Bashah’s appointment as MB had not been done for the right reasons.
He also revealed his suspicion that the move to oust Mukhriz was part of the ruling government’s attempt to exact revenge against former premier and Mukhriz’s father, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for his continued attacks on Prime Minister Najib Razak.
“I have attended every MB swearing-in ceremony since I was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1999.
“This time, for Ahmad Bashah’s, it’s different as the plot to remove Mukhriz was part of Putrajaya’s attempt to hit back at Dr Mahathir and Mukhriz for their harsh criticisms against Najib,” he said.
The former PAS Information Chief also said that Mukhriz’s only mistake was being brave enough to speak the truth about Najib, who is also Umno President.
“What will be the fate of Kedahans under the administration of this new MB and his Exco members who lack political morals and integrity? I am extremely upset and disappointed with such political leaders.
“To me, Mukhriz’s removal is an act of betrayal to the people of Kedah and this, I cannot accept. I believe Kedahans are cursing the way Putrajaya troops have stormed into their state.”
Yesterday, Mukhriz announced his wish to relinquish the post of MB with immediate effect, stating it was due to his no longer commanding the support of the majority of Kedah’s assemblymen.
Mukhriz’s resignation was immediately followed by a statement from state Secretary Bakar Din that Bakar Bata assemblyman Ahmad Bashah was now the new MB of Kedah.