Mukhriz says ready for any eventuality

(Bernama) – Jerlun Member of Parliament Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said Thursday that he is ready for any eventuality when the general election comes around.

“As I’ve said before, I don’t think it is decided yet whether I am standing for a Parliament or state (seat), so in terms of readiness I’ve also made it public that I am okay either way.

“If the (Barisan Nasional’s) top leadership feels that I need to go back (to contest a state seat in Kedah), I am okay with that. If they say that I should stay at the Federal level, I am also okay with that. Alternatively if they say I should not stand (be a candidate at all), it is also fine with me,” he said. 

Speaking to reporters after launching the 1Malaysia Entrepreneurship Enhancement Think-In line programme in conjunction with the One Million Youths Gathering here, he said his future was totally in the hands of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“I am a party man first. So I will follow instructions,” said the Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister.

Mukhriz said he believed that the Prime Minister had a lot of input on whether a candidate was winnable or not.

Commenting on talk that he would be the next Kedah Mentri Besar if Barisan wrested back the state, he said it was a rumour.

“It is highly speculative and also highly premature. The matter of the appointment of mentri besar can only come after general election,” he added.

A party insider was reported saying that he believed Mukhriz is the was the best choice for the menteri besar post because he was popular among voters under the age of 50.

However, Mukhriz said, a recent survey showed that youth was not the main criteria to be chosen as a candidate.

“What is important to them (young voters) is being approachable and able to solve their problems. This criteria is common among young people, whether in towns or in rural areas.

“But for the second criteria, the present state government should not be there any more. They are not at all solving problems, but are creating more problems,” he added