To most observers, Mukhriz Mahathir is nothing more than a pawn sacrificed in the battle between goliaths.

The episode is also viewed as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak flexing his muscles after having consolidated his position in Umno amid a slew of allegations and trust deficit.

Despite the attempts to oust his son, Dr Mahathir Mohamad remained silent and did not intervene, at least as far as the media is concerned.