Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has accepted an invitation to open the annual meeting of the Jerlun Umno division headed by Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, August 10, 2015.Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal who was axed from the Cabinet has been invited to open the party's Jerlun division meeting in Kedah, where Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir is said to be at risk of losing his post.
The Malaysian Insider understands from one of Mukhriz's officers that Shafie is scheduled to launch the meeting on August 22 in Jerlun, the seat where the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was once federal lawmaker.
Shafie and Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin were dropped from the Cabinet recently due to their open criticism of debt-ridden state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
However, both still hold their posts in the ruling party.
A source close to Shafie confirmed that he had been invited to open the division meeting, and would be attending.
Invitations to open ongoing Umno division meetings have seen some adjustments following both Muhyiddin and Shafie's axing from the Cabinet.
Some divisions have dropped their invitations to either men for fear of being out of favour with the party leadership, while some are still going ahead.
Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is speculated to be dropped as the Kedah menteri besar. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, August 10, 2015.Observers have not ruled out the possibility that Mukhriz might lose his post as menteri besar, given that his father, Dr Mahathir, is one of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's fiercest critics.
It was earlier reported that five Kedah assemblyman had met Najib to complain about Mukhriz's leadership of the state.
A source told The Malaysian Insider that the five assemblymen are Nor Saidi Nayan (Kuah), Mahadzir Abdul Hamid (Jeneri), Datuk Ahmad Lebai Sudin (Bukit Lada), Harun Abdul Aziz (Kupang) and Ali Yahya (Pantai Merdeka).
Speculation is also rife that Ahmad Lebai, who has been a vocal and a constant critic of Mukhriz, might be named the new menteri besar.
Controversy grew when a video leaked online captured Muhyiddin telling Mukhriz and other guests at the former's home, that Najib had admitted to having US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) transferred into his personal bank accounts.
Speculation that Mukhriz would be dropped as menteri besar was rife enough, more so after the Cabinet reshuffle which saw the axing of Muhyiddin and Shafie, but was denied by new Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Dr Mahathir has emerged as Najib's strongest critic, withdrawing his support for the prime minister and hounding him over the Finance Ministry-owned 1MDB.
Najib is the chairman of the 1MDB advisory board and his role in 1MDB's dealings had been questioned several times. – August 10, 2015.
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