Pakatan Harapan is opposed to holding a fresh election in Kedah to resolve an Umno revolt against state Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir.

This stance is in contrast to Kedah PAS, which yesterday called for the dissolution of the state assembly and fresh elections to determine whether Mukhriz still commanded support.

Kedah PKR chief Syed Azmin Ismail said Harapan disagrees with the PAS position, since a fresh election would incur heavy costs now, with the country going through an economic downturn.

Instead, Syed Azmin said, the coalition hopes that the issue can be resolved according to the rule of law and democratic process, without adding to the people's burden.

He was flanked by the top leaders of Kedah DAP and Amanah in the formal announcement of Harapan's stance on the issue at a press conference today.

Yesterday, the Kedah Umno faction aligned to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced it has lost confidence in Mukhriz as the menteri besar.

The rebels, led by Kedah Umno deputy chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, also called on Najib to intervene and replace Mukhriz as the head of the state government.

Related reports

Does Mukhriz's survival depend on state assembly, sultan or snap polls?

Zam: Mukhriz won't survive Najib's 'political cleansing'

Muhyiddin expresses support for 'scandal-free' Kedah MB

Experts: Only state assembly, regency council can oust Mukhriz

Anti-Mukhriz revolt echoes with Harun caper 40 years ago