Next Kedah MB: Mukhriz not removed to silence criticism against PM

ALOR STAR: Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was not removed as Kedah mentri besar to silence criticism against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Speaking at a press conference at Tunku Building here, incoming mentri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said it is Mukhriz's perception as there is no move to silence him in voicing out his opinions and views.
"That is his perception only, we cannot silence people, we just want change," he told reporters.
He said work will go on as usual for Umno and hoped Mukhriz's supporters will give their cooperation and support to him.
"I am not worried, the Kedah people love Umno, they will come back to us," he said when asked whether support for Umno will be affected due to the resignation of Mukhriz.
The Bakar Bata state assemblyman said the change was to strengthen the party and hoped Mukhriz will remain with Umno.
He also denied allegations that he was snoozing during a ceremony at the palace and claimed that he was actually concentrating.
"It has gone viral. How can I fall asleep when I was seated in the front row? Maybe it has been edited," he said.
Ahmad Bashah said he was happy that the political turmoil that has beleaguered the state for the past two weeks has finally ended.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office said Mukhriz had to resign after losing the support of the majority of his state assemblymen.
The PMO added in a statement today that the loss in support was due to a lack of confidence in his leadership, both as mentri besar and state party head, and concerns that better preparations were needed to retain Kedah in the 14th general election.
"The prime minister believes that the party and the government must be disciplined and work together as a united team to combat the economic and security challenges Malaysia currently faces, and to deliver on the promises made at the last general election when Barisan Nasional was given a mandate by the people," it said.