'I fear for UMNO's future' - Muhyiddin

With the resignation of Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir as Kedah Menteri Besar yesterday and the announcement that Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah will be replacing him, the political crisis surrounding the state's top post has been deemed resolved.

Or is it?

UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin deemed that while one two-week episode has ended, another one, a longer one, is just starting.

Muhyiddin said as the new Kedah MB, Ahmad Bashah, who is Bakar Bata assemblyman, has his work cut out for him.

READ: Who is Ahmad Bashah, the new Kedah MB who replaces Mukhriz Mahathir?

READ: Ahmad Bashah best choice to administer Kedah - Assemblymen

READ: Ahmad Bashah announced as new Kedah Menteri Besar

Below is the former deputy prime minister's full statement:

"Finally Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir had to let go of his post as Kedah Menteri Besar after undergoing a political storm for two weeks. I am very disappointed with this incident.

"I am confident that the rakyat know the real reason why he was removed. It is between having the right to voice the truth and the demand for blind loyalty.

"As expected, Datuk Seri Mukhriz had been receiving constant pressure from some parties who wanted him to step down, even though he had the support of the majority of people in Kedah.

"Because of this unusual political pressure, thus today he was forced to resign as Menteri Besar. I believe, many Kedahans are disappointed. In fact, the Malaysian people are disappointed.

"Gone were the days when we believed that leaders make decisions based on the people’s desire. It seems that, in this latest episode of politics, the desire of a mere few tops those of the majority.

"They might have forgotten how UMNO is a political party that relies on the rakyat’s support to continue to remain relevant. If a decision is made without taking into account the sentiment and desire of the majority, I worry that UMNO’s future will be at stake.

"It is not easy to regain the people’s trust once they feel betrayed. Truly, a great challenge awaits the new Kedah Menteri Besar in winning back the people’s support in UMNO.

"I am confident that Datuk Seri Mukhriz will be strong in facing this challenge. He is a leader of integrity and has charisma. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe this is the beginning of a longer battle."