The then Kedah menteri besar was forced to relinquish his position on Feb 3, 2016, after his would-be successor, Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, led a group of Kedah Umno leaders to declare that they had lost confidence in Mukhriz’s leadership.
But Mukhriz, now vice-president of PPBM, is taking all this in his stride, telling a crowd in Alor Gajah, Melaka, during a Jelajah Semarak event recently, that “it is ok”.
“It is only, after all, a worldly position,” the former Umno leader said philosophically.
Mukhriz was expelled by Umno in June last year, along with fellow PPBM leader Muhyiddin Yassin, over their criticisms of the ruling government.
Mukhriz remains state assemblyman for Ayer Hitam, one of the many state seats in the rice bowl state of Kedah. Kedah is currently held by Barisan Nasional (BN), with 20 seats, followed by PAS and Pakatan Harapan with eight seats each.
But what is the scope of his influence, considering Mukhriz is no longer an Umno leader, but the vice-president of a party that is still very new?
Syukri Ahmad, 60, who has been living in Kampung Ayer Hitam since he was born, views Mukhriz in a positive light, saying he was a better MB compared with Bashah, and was a comparatively better assemblyman.
However, Syukri, who runs a drinks stall in Ayer Hitam, lamented that he seldom sees Mukhriz on the ground these days, compared to the time when Mukhriz was in Umno and still an MB.
“He still wields a lot of influence in Ayer Hitam, even though he is no longer an Umno man and has since switched to PPBM.
“People still support him,” he told FMT when met at his stall recently.
When asked on Mukhriz’s chances of retaining his Ayer Hitam seat, should he contest in the upcoming general election, Syukri said it would be difficult for the incumbent.
“I feel that support for him is currently divided. The votes in the election could end up being split,” he said.
Syukri also felt that the manner in which Mukhriz had to relinquish his MB position was unfair, but he also felt that the assemblyman was the kind who would not fight back when he is attacked by his detractors.
“He is the kind who is low profile. But he does his work. He does not play politics much, so when others attack him, he does not retaliate.
“This could become a problem. In politics, you have to be fierce and go to war. You cannot take things lightly,” he said.
Rosli Hassan, 54, from Kampung Payar Pecah, was rather critical of Mukhriz, saying he has become “problematic” ever since he joined PPBM.
“When he was in BN, he was okay. He was on the ground, listening to the people’s grouses.
“But now that he is with PPBM, nothing is coming through to us.
“The aid for the needy community here is not coming in,” he said, adding that the people in Ayer Hitam comprised mostly farmers and fishermen, and not so many blue-collared workers.
To Rosli, there was no doubt of Mukhriz defending his Ayer Hitam seat.
“His influence is there. That I will not deny. But in politics, it is 50-50.
“I believe that it will be a three-cornered fight in Ayer Hitam, with BN, PAS and PPBM. And three-cornered fights will be good for BN,” he said.
Rosli said Mukhriz, specifically, and Pakatan Harapan as a whole, still needed the support of PAS, which is strong in Ayer Hitam.
“Their chances of winning, in my view, are slim, because PAS is not supporting them. If PAS supports PH and Mukhriz, he may still be able to win and become MB,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Abdul Manaf, 50, from Kampung Lubuk Ayaq, has spent most of his life away from his hometown. He came back five years ago.
He and his wife run a snack stall by the roadside.
Confessing that he was not very well versed in politics, Ibrahim was however clear on what kind of development he wanted to see in Ayer Hitam.
“Mukhriz is a good man. He has always taken care of his constituency and is constantly on the ground.
“His presence, his influence, is strong here. His way of doing things and his personality have endeared him to the people.”
Ibrahim said Mukhriz may be able to hold on to his seat should he contest in the next election, but placed his chances at 50-50.
“It is hard to say if he can win. Even if he can win, it will not be by a huge majority. The votes will be split.”
If these views are anything to go by, Mukhriz is still a force to be reckoned with if he goes for the state seat of Ayer Hitam. But BN and PAS will definitely rain on his parade.
One thing is for sure. Ayer Hitam, and on a larger scale, Kedah, is up for grabs, and it is up to those who wish to take charge of the state to prove themselves to the people that they are worthy of the votes.