The text message, hotly circulated via WhatsApp, read that should the move to ‘dethrone’ Mukhriz be successful, Kedah Umno Deputy Chairman, Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah will be sworn in as the state’s new Menteri Besar in a ceremony scheduled for January 29.

The rumour is believed to have originated from an insider within the state secretariat office.

Ahmad Bashah yesterday surprised the nation with a call for Mukhriz’s removal, citing the latter’s failure to administer the state and prepare it for the next general election.

His actions have drawn criticisms from several Umno leaders including Jerlun Umno Division Secretary, Abdul Aziz Mohammed, who lambasted Ahmad Bashah for causing a political crisis at the time when the state was celebrating its Sultan’s birthday.

“That was bad timing. They made a wrong political call at a wrong time,” said Abdul Aziz at Jerlun Umno headquarters today.

Abdul Aziz, who is also Mukhriz’s Special Officer, added that local leaders should have extended Mukhriz, the son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the courtesy of finishing a full term before judging him.

“They should let him finish his job, fulfil his promises and complete his term. They can discuss and decide on whether to change the MB or not in the next general election. Why now?”

He said that the move could lead to a crisis in the otherwise peaceful Kedah government, leaving Barisan Nasional vulnerable in the next general election as the rebellion lent ammunition to the Opposition, allowing them to use the conflict as ‘bullets’ to take down Umno.

Suggesting that any differences should have been settled through internal channels, Abdul Aziz said, “The Opposition is now feasting on this internal crisis. They should have discussed this with Mukhriz. He is a good listener.”