Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir will announce whether the state Umno endorses the leadership of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, which has come under intense criticism from his father Dr Mahathir Mohamad, on April 24.

The announcement came in the wake of state assemblyperson Ahmad Lebai Sudin, whom Mukhriz described as "overzealous", calling on the latter to resign if he does not back Najib.

This followed a meeting Mukhriz held at the menteri besar's official residence with several Umno state assemblypersons yesterday.

Commenting on this issue, a local Umno elected representative told Malaysiakini, on condition of anonymity, that Mukhriz ( right ) is having "mixed feelings" and feels "trapped".

Therefore, he said, the menteri besar is cautious about issuing an official stand.

"Mukhriz must issue a 'win-win' statement which does not hurt Najib or Mahathir. The stand must be based on consensus and not an individual decision," the elected representative said.

He also pointed out that since Kedah is the home state of Mahathir, the issue is "sensitive" as the former prime minister has many supporters there.

"One wrong move, and his (Mahathir’s) supporters will get upset.

"This is not an easy matter. It must be looked at from various angles, including the impact on the coming by-elections (in Permatang Pauh and Rompin)," he said.

MB did not reserve support for PM

On the April 24 deadline, the Umno leader said feedback would be obtained from all party leaders, including state assemblypersons and parliamentarians from Kedah, prior to the announcement.

Following this, he added, a meeting is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur to finalise the official stand.

He stressed that consensus was crucial to avoid state leaders pointing fingers at one another later.

The elected representative also dismissed reports claiming that Mukhriz, during yesterday's meeting, had chosen to reserve his support for Najib pending the outcome of the probe into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

"Mukhriz never mentioned anything about not supporting the PM during the meeting.

"It would be half baked to claim that a decision was reached (after the meeting). The consensus would be revealed on April 24. It would be a joint decision.

"It is not easy being Mahathir’s son," he added.

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