JANURAY 25 — There are four reasons Mukhriz must leave, it was said. To make thing ;simpler, he is incompetent as a leader of the state government and state Umno.
That is anything but persuasive. To be honest, it is unconvincing to accuse him of poor leadership.
I would say he has so far worked up to the expectations. At least when compared to the previous administration, Kedah is more dynamic and exciting today.
On top of that, he is often seen walking in the midst of the people all across the state.
Incompetency in leading Kedah Umno?
This is not what he has wanted. He was sort of airdropped to lead the state Umno, which used to have some sort of warlords each with his own calculations and interests in mind.
How could we put the blame on Mukhriz if the rest of the pack are unwilling to offer their cooperation?
Not even 40 more excuses could shield the only obvious reason: he is the son of Mahathir!
Najib and the “warlords” of Kedah Umno have finally found the right day to pull down Mukhriz when his father is no longer an ally nor a powerful rival to be reckoned with.
Mukhriz’s MB and state liaison committee chairman posts have been taken hostage the moment Najib and Mahathir were locked in a fierce tussle.
Najib chose to keep Mukhriz at the beginning to give himself an option to reconcile with Mahathir while keeping Mahathir’s full-scale onslaught at bay.
But, Mukhriz’s office was never enough to reverse his father’s determination to go tough on the PM and to bring him down by hook or by crook.
Even at the peak of the conflict when Muhyiddin was removed as DPM, Mukhriz was still safely in place, not because he was much appreciated but for fear any reckless move could invite enormous backlash in the party.
Nevertheless, after last year’s general assembly, Najib has grown quite sure the combined strength of Mahathir and Muhyiddin was weaker than he had anticipated while the support he received from within the party was overwhelmingly strong.
This has boosted Najib’s confidence many times over.
So, getting rid of Mukhriz is now a matter of time.
Even though plenty would show up to lend their support for Mukhriz, Mahathir and Muhyiddin have both seen their influences within the party significantly weakened, unable to launch remarkable strike against Najib.
Mukhriz said his MB post would be decided by the rakyat, arguing that he ascended to the office by the Sultan’s appointment.
But in the political powerplay structure, this position is in the hands of the prime minister so much so that there is no way for the state’s people to defend him.
Traditionally, the Kedah royalty will normally stay out of this matter.
Najib has put Mukhriz on the MB’s seat because of Mahathir in a bid to secure his support.
Now that Mahathir is no longer required, Mukhriz becomes dispensable.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
