KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said he had not received any news that a new Mentri Besar for Kedah would be sworn in next week.
When asked by reporters outside Masjid Negara if he had any comment on rumours that his replacement would be sworn in on Monday, the embattled Kedah Mentri Besar said he had "received no such information."
"I cannot comment. Your sources are doubtful," he added.
It is understood that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has obtained the blessings for the change from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah during an audience on Wednesday morning.
The Regency Council, however, is believed to have reservations over the Prime Minister’s proposed candidate as the new mentri besar.
Once their consent is given, the swearing-in of the new mentri besar is said to be likely to take place on Monday.
On Jan 20, Kedah Umno division leaders as well as chiefs of the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings held a press conference led by Kedah Umno deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah to announce a loss of confidence in Mukhriz's leadership, urging the Umno president to make immediate changes.
Soon after, 19 of the 21 Barisan Nasional assemblymen from Kedah signed a statutory declaration to endorse the change as Mukhriz refused to step down.
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