Winning Kedah, state seat comes before MB post: Mukhriz

Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said he needs to ensure his win in the Ayer Hitam state constituency before thinking of the post of Kedah menteri besar.

"While I am thankful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his trust in me to lead Kedah if BN wins, we must work harder for victory.
"I must win over Ayer Hitam first, then we must make sure we secure a big mandate to form the state government here," he said after casting his vote at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Siputeh, Kodiang here today.
He was commenting on Najib's announcement that he would be appointed menteri besar if BN was given a mandate in the 13th General Election today, to form the state government.
Mukhriz said a big mandate was needed so there was no doubt about the trust given by the people to BN to form a government.
He also denied allegations by various quarters that the (Najib's) announcement would have a negative impact on him, in terms of voter support.
"I don't think it will have a negative effect," he said.
In ALOR SETAR, state BN chairman Datuk Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said the prime minister had the right to select Kedah's menteri besar.
"It is the right of the prime minister, but what's more important is the mission for BN's win and rule over Kedah," he told reporters after casting his vote at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tunku Abdul Rahman today.
He said although Najib had made the announcement, he would continue to carry out his duty as Kedah BN chairman until the election process was over.   
"My job is to do what I must do, let the election settle down and that (selection of menteri besar) is the prime minister's right. Hopefully, we can take back Kedah and it's up to him (Najib) to decide," he added.