Mukhriz ‘disconnected’ with Umno top leadership, sources say

(Malay Mail Online) – Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir landed himself in trouble with Umno top leadership, particularly party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, after failing to communicate on state matters and his political leaning.

Sources said Mukhriz had been working in isolation as he “hardly informed” the federal government of Kedah’s development plans since he was named Mentri Besar in 2013.

“He meets the prime minister but not as often as other mentris besar,” said a source.

“Besides the state civil servants touching on state matters, the head of states tend to have private briefings with the prime minister to inform him of latest political and economic scenario in their states. This is sorely lacking where Kedah is concerned.”

The source added that Mukhriz had also failed to distance himself from the views of his father, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had repeatedly criticised Najib.

“Even during the recent series of attacks (by Dr Mahathir), Mukhriz did not state his stand and did not even convey to Najib if he was with or against his father’s views.

Such an unclear stand will only fuel speculation and create unrest, especially among the grassroots.

This will not be healthy for Umno and the country, the source said.

The mistrust between Mukhriz and top party leaders was made evident on Wednesday after several Kedah leaders, led by Kedah Umno deputy chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, called for the Mentri Besar to quit.

Another source said Mukhriz’s shortfalls have allowed Ahmad Bashah to step up as he now eyes the top post in the state.

Malay Mail Online reported that Kedah Umno leaders, who were rallying against Mukhriz, had met Najib at Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

Those who attended the meeting said it “went well” but refused to disclose if any decision was reached over Mukhriz’s future in the state.

They also declined to elaborate on what had transpired during their meeting with Najib behind closed doors.

“I can’t say anything,” Kedah Umno Wanita chief Datuk Maznah Hamid said when met by reporters.

Baling Umno division chief Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said “everything went well” in the meeting, refusing to elaborate if any decision was made on Mukhriz’s position as Mentri Besar.

Sik Umno division chief Dr Mansor Abd Rahman also refused to comment when approached by reporters.

“I can’t say anything … leave it at that,” he said. 

The meeting started at 4pm and Najib left at about 5.20pm.