Sense of deja vu for Mukhriz at swearing-in ceremony
ALOR SETAR: Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir flashed a wide grin as he emerged from Balairung Seri Kecil of the Kedah palace, walking behind Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah and other royal family members.
The scene inside Istana Anak Bukit, packed with guests in their customary black and gold-accented outfits, was reminiscent of another historic event involving Mukhriz in 2013.
Back then, he was also sworn in as the Kedah mentri besar. He returned this time, albeit with a different political party.
Mukhriz, who is Kedah Pakatan Harapan chief, became MB yesterday, ending speculation that he would be taking up a position at the federal level.
A jovial Mukhriz greeted journalists with a “I’m back” remark as he began his press conference two hours after the ceremony.
“It is somewhat surreal. I did not expect this because there was talk I might end up being in the Federal Government, but this is fine.
“Kedah is a beautiful state and I love being here again.
“We have a good thing going for us at the moment,” he added.
Mukhriz became the MB when Barisan Nasional won Kedah back in 2013. Three years later, he was ousted when the state exco declared a loss of confidence in his leadership.
He dispelled talk that his was a minority government, describing it as “divided” instead. Pakatan won 18 out of the 36 state seats, Barisan Nasional (three) and PAS (15).
“I have to admit that we have a situation of split seats between Pakatan and the Opposition,” he said, adding however, that he felt it was all right.
“We have a solid block of 18, so in this case, the solid block counts.”
He called on PAS and Barisan state assemblymen to work with Pakatan to ensure a check and balance in the administration.
“I appeal to the state Opposition to play a role in the state assembly in a mature manner. We should not be politicking to the extent that plans for the state are affected,” he said.
For now, Mukhriz said the immediate plans were to fulfil Pakatan’s first 100 days promises made in its state manifesto, starting with resolving the longstanding water woes in Kedah.
As for the positions of the state exco and State Assembly Speaker, Mukhriz said he would discuss with the Pakatan component party leaders to finalise matters as soon as possible.