Kedah Umno liaison committee deputy chief Mukhriz Mahathir has urged party members to stop speculating on the next menteri besar.

He said such speculation was premature as BN must take over the state government from the opposition first before they could harbour such thought.

"It is no use talking about the next MB (menteri besar) as the 13th general election had not yet been held," he told reporters after opening the Kedah Career Carnival 2012 in Kuala Nerang today.

NONE Speculation is rife that Mukhriz, who is also deputy international trade and industry minister, will contest a state seat and is tipped to be the next menteri besar should the BN topple the opposition in Kedah in the next state election.

Mukhriz said he was not a person who would scramble for position, but was willing to accept any decision made by top leaders.

"I am old fashioned. Let others go up first. I am willing to help behind the scenes. Regardless where the prime minister place me, I'll accept it.

"So I do not crave for position. A person, who is too hopeful, can be easily disappointed if he does not get what he wants. I do not want to be upset, so, I am not too hopeful. It is a heavy responsibility one has to shoulder," he said.

Victory not still certain

Responding to a question, Mukhriz said: "It does not matter whether the next menteri besar is young or old as long as he is an amenable leader.

"For example, if a young leader is not approachable even to young people while an old leader is more amenable to the people, the old one will most likely be chosen."

Mukhriz said he was worried that the speculation could be stirred up by certain quarters who had their own agenda by pitting Umno leaders against each other.

"My father (former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad) recently reminded us not to sabotage one another.

"So, speculations of this nature are delusions as if the victory is already in our hands. It is still not certain. We must work harder," he said.

- Bernama