My university is Umno, said newly sworn-in Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah to critics who had questioned his lack of academic qualifications for the post.

In an interview with Berita Harian , Bashah disclosed he had lost his father at the age of 22 and had to assume responsibilities as the eldest son to provide for an older sister, as well as three younger siblings.

"I was responsible for taking care of them, from their education up to their marriage. I took care of them all until I myself got married late at the age of 35.

" Alhamdulillah , all my younger siblings pursued higher education. Even though I never went to university, it's okay. They are more important," he said.

What he lacks in academic qualifications, Bashah said, is compensated by experience and leadership skills gathered through his many years with Kedah Umno.

"In the beginning, I was personally taught by my father who held an important position in Umno. He was appointed by the menteri besar as Kedah Umno treasurer.

"So I have been in the Kedah political arena for a very long time," he said.

The Kedah Umno deputy chief had on Jan 20 initiated an open war against Mukhriz, declaring that the state's Umno rank-and-file had "lost confidence" in his leadership as menteri besar.

Unfazed by personal attacks

In the interview, Bashah also said that he was not affected by the personal attacks against him.

"I am not insulted because they (the attacks) show that it is all they can use against me. I am not even the least bit hurt because I know myself.

"I have never boasted that I am smart, clever, well educated, until everybody has to listen to what I say," he explained.

Bashah also denied that his lack of academic qualifications would hinder his abilities as menteri besar as he would be working together with state officers and exco members from various backgrounds.

In announcing his resignation yesterday, Mukhriz had taken a swipe at Bashah and saying: "I hope he won't doze off while taking the oath."

Mukhriz's remark was a reference to claims that Bashah had frequently fallen asleep during meetings. A video of him apparently dozing off during a recent ceremony at the palace has been making the rounds.

However the Kedah MB denied he had fallen asleep, saying it was his way of fully appreciating the sultan's speech.