The group who are plotting to oust Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir from being the Kedah Menteri Besar were those who had caused Umno to lose in the State in the 2008 general elections, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed said here today.

Describing the group as not having a good reputation, he described their move to demand the removal of Mukhriz as being "very political".

"They have made the move without consulting the views of the people (the grassroots) and they (the people) would have to bear the consequences (should there be any change to the state leadership)," he said.

He told reporters this after officiating Global Doctors Clinic, an international medical services chain, here.

While admitting that he did make changes to the leadership of Kedah during his tenure as the Prime Minister, he said UMNO continued to rule the State.

Last Wednesday, Kedah UMNO Deputy Liaison Chief Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah led a delegation comprising 15 Umno division chiefs, state and federal lawmakers who expressed loss of confidence in Mukhriz to call for his removal as mentri besar.

Dr Mahathir said ever since the issue erupted, he only met Mukhriz where the matter was among the things that they discussed apart from family matters.

When asked what was his advice to Mukhriz, he said: "In politics, anything can happen. Nothing is permanent where friends can become enemies and enemies become friends."

He said that he had not spoken to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak since the beginning of the issue and said that he had no advice to offer to the latter.

"I think he will have to do it (deal on the matter). He is clever and no need for me to advise him," he added.