Some Umno divisions have reportedly withdrawn their invitations for Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir to officially open their annual general meetings (AGM).

According to Sin Chew Daily yesterday, Mukhriz speculated that some of these divisions believe his position as menteri besar would be affected, following the recent cabinet reshuffle.

He said these divisions, which are from outside Kedah, were also worried that his opening speech would cause fissures within the party, reported the Chinese daily.

However, Mukhriz said speaking the truth at these events wouldn't cause problems, but instead would make these divisions more united.

The MB, who is son of former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said this during the Jerlun Umno Youth AGM yesterday.

Mahathir has been urging Umno president Najib Razak to step down as prime minister over the 1MDB scandal, which includes the revelation of RM2.6 billion deposited into the latter’s private bank accounts.

At the height of the scandal, Najib axed his deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and another vocal minister, Shafie Apdal.

Mukhriz urged party members to stop demanding for Muhyiddin to be also removed from his deputy Umno presidency, saying the latter had been democratically elected.

He added that Umno division AGMs should be an open platform for party members and leaders to speak freely and there should not be an attempt to curb views that were "not mainstream".