Mukhriz denies wanting to be PM the 'fast track' way

Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir denied his former aide’s statement that there were attempts to make him the prime minister the 'fast track' way.

What was said by Haris Che Mat was pure slander because it was made based on assumptions which were unfounded, the former Kedah menteri besar said.

In fact, alleged efforts by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to make him prime minister were also untrue, he said.

Mukhriz said it was all up to the party leadership and members in deciding who is to be made prime minister.

“The person needs to represent the party with the most seats in Parliament, the party needs to win the most in Parliament and in the general election. There are many more things to do before one can be made prime minister.

“And then there’s the party election. It’s usually the party president who is made prime minister. To be elected as party president is already an uphill task. Haris said so himself, I didn’t even get to become vice-president in the party when I contested. So, when was it that I was to be made president?” Mukhriz said when met at the Kedah State Assembly in Wisma Darulaman here today.

Mukhriz, however, said he has no plans to sue his former aide, on grounds of friendship.

Yesterday, Haris, who is also former Kedah UMNO executive secretary, had claimed that Mukhriz had dreams of becoming prime minister via the 'fast track' way.

Haris claimed that Dr Mahathir had wanted to topple Prime Minister dan UMNO President Datuk Seri Najib Razak to pave the way for his son.

Haris alleged that the plan began during the UMNO elections in 2013 when Mukhriz contested for the post of UMNO vice-president.