Kedah Sultan irked by untimely call to replace MB

ALOR STAR: The Kedah Sultan is unhappy over the actions of Umno leaders who have called for Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (pix) to be replaced during the birthday celebration of his majesty.
Mukhriz said he has received word that the Sultan, who is also the Yang diPertuan Agong, as well as the Regency Council were offended by the call made on Jan 20.
He described the incident as irresponsible and said many who had attended the press conference then have told him they were not aware of what will take place at that time.
"The actions of these group of people have 'mencemar' the birthday celebrations of the Sultan of Kedah," he said in a statement today.
Mukhriz also pointed out six state executive councillors who failed to attend an exco meeting on Jan 27 and described their actions as going against their oaths of office.
He said their reluctance to attend the exco meeting have affected the administration of the state government.
"I was informed that the Sultan of Kedah and the Regency Council are angry over their reluctance," he said.
The Kedah Umno Liaison Committee chairman also apologised to the Sultan and the Council on behalf of those who wanted him replaced.
He urged the 14 Umno division leaders, who were directly or indirectly involved in the press conference, as well as the six exco members to tender their official apologies to the Sultan and the Council.
In a related development, the Council is scheduled to meet all Barisan Nasional assemblymen tomorrow on the mentri besar crisis.
A source close to the matter confirmed the invitations have been sent but declined to elaborate on the matter.
It is learned the meeting will be held in the afternoon at Wisma Darul Aman, the administrative and legislative complex of the Kedah government.
All 21 elected representatives, including Mukhriz, are expected to attend the meeting to assess if BN assemblymen were in favour of a change in the head of the state government.
Among the names touted to take over are Bakar Bata assemblyman and state Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah and Kedah State Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Azmi Che Hussin.
Also being spoken as possible replacements are Guar Chempedak assemblyman Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail and Ayer Hangat assemblymen Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid.