Mukhriz Mahathir, who has come under pressure following his father's tirade against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, will not relinquish his post as Kedah menteri besar.

According to the Star , he told reporters in Kerpan that the position was an "amanah (trust)" given by the prime minister.

"I feel there's no reason for me to let go of this position.

"There's no huge problem that needs me to do so," he was quoted as saying.

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Mukhriz was commenting on a rumour circulating on the Internet that he would step down on April 24.

Previously, Kedah Umno state assemblyperson Ahmad Lebai Sudin urged Mukhriz to quit if he does not back Najib.

Whereas Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein, who is also Najib's cousin, warned that if Kedah Umno splits over the issue, Mukhriz would have failed as a leader.

In an obvious reference to his son, Mahathir himself had lamented that those who do not support Najib are being threatened.

Yesterday, Cheras Umno division leader Syed Ali Alhabshee ( right ) criticised Ahmad Lebai for attacking Mukhriz, claiming that the latter was perhaps gunning for the menteri besar post .

However, the state assemblyperson has denied this.

Mukhriz has announced that he would reveal Kedah Umno's official stand on whether to back Najib or his father on April 24.