GE13: Book running down Mukhriz widely distributed

 

(The Malay Mail) – In what appears to be a sign of sabotage, a book running down the credentials of Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (pic), tipped to be the menteri besar if Barisan Nasional regains Kedah, is being widely distributed in Umno circles.

It is understood that all committee members of the 15 party divisions in the state have received the 20-page book titled Anak Abah (Daddy’s Boy) in their letter boxes since Sunday.

Among other things, the book written anonymously and does not carry a publisher’s name, compares Mukhriz’s political acumen to that of the state liaison chief Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanifah and former state exco member Datuk Mat Lebai Sudin.

A committee member who received the book said: “It is well written with good language structure, unlike languages used in poison pen letters or even blogs.

“We can interpret it as an attempt to prevent Umno members from supporting Mukhriz, from being chosen as menteri besar or an attempt to even field Mukhriz for a state seat.”

Another committee member of a division believed that the book originated from within Umno.

“It is a well-known fact within Kedah Umno that many are aiming for the post and Mukhriz is an obstacle to their ambitions,” he said.

Committee members also said it was surprising that the book appeared just a night before BN chairman gave out the candidates’ list to the respective state chiefs.

Mukhriz, the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is rumoured to be fielded for the Kuah state seat under the Langkawi Parliamentary constituency. He is currently the MP for Jerlun.

His name has been bandied about as the potential menteri besar since early last year, as BN began its focus to take back Kedah from PAS.

BN’s effort however, is hampered by lack of unity, as Kedah Umno’s 15 divisions have their own preferences.