Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir reiterated his promise to look after the interests of the students and staff of Kolej Universiti Insaniah (KUIN), hence the matter had become a priority.

"Allahyarham (the late Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak) had asked me to take care of Kuin and I promised that I would do it. So, that is what I am going to do," he said after a gathering with educators from the Kuala Muda and Yan districts, here, on Monday.

Mukhriz was responding to claims by certain quarters that he was reluctant to continue his predecessor's legacy, namely Kuin and Ma'ahad Tahfiz.

"I define taking care of Kuin as taking care of the people at Kuin, not necessarily Kuin buildings. The most important are the people at Kuin," he said.

Mukhriz, who is also Kedah Barisan Nasional chairman, said the issue was being sensationalised and politicised by certain quarters at a time when the state was facing a by-election in the Sungai Limau constituency.

"Whatever the decision made by the state government, it is in line with the mandate given by the people to me as menteri besar. I am not the kind of person who does not keep a promise made, but I also look at what promise I can make," he added.

Mukhriz said although he was the new Kedah menteri besar, he should not necessarily inherit the responsibilities of the previous leader.

In fact, he said, he had the power to make decisions and to determine the direction of the state's administration.