Amidst talks that Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah would be the most likely candidate to replace Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir, Mingguan Malaysia today reported that three other names may also be considered for the post.

Quoting sources, Mingguan Malaysia said the three names are Guar Chempedak state assemblyperson Ku Rahman Ku Ismail, Ayer Hangat state assemblyperson Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid and Tanjong Dawai state assemblyperson Tajul Urus Mat Zain.

The three Umno leaders are also current state excos.

“All three are said to be qualified for consideration, based on their experience and educational background. Apart from that, this is seen as a move to reduce the anger of Kedahans after what has happened,” said the unnamed source, as cited by the weekend edition of Utusan Malaysia .

On the criteria for the three leaders being considered for the post, the source said Ku Rahman is an “old timer” in Kedah’s politics, aside from being relatively free of controversies and with past experiences leading delegations to attract foreign investors in the state.

Tajul Urus, meanwhile, was described as “Mukriz’s man” who could assuage the anger of his supporters.

The source also said that Mohd Rawi is seen as a leader who is close to the people, particularly among clerics and students at local religious schools.

“One thing is for sure, party leaders at all levels want the issue to be resolved swiftly and without jeopardising the state Umno,” said the source, who noted that the final decision lies in the hands of prime minister and Umno president Najib Abdul Razak.

Ahmad Bashah had last week led the move to oust Mukhriz who in turn remained defiant , stressing that he was elected for the post by virtue of the rakyat's mandate and the state sultan's consent.

Both Mukhriz and Ahmad Bashah had last week separately met with Najib at the Umno headquarters.

No decision, however, has been announced to end the political tussle that erupted last Wednesday.

Since then, at least two other exco members - Sungai Tiang state assemblyperson Suraya Yaacob and Jitra state assemblyperson Aminuddin Omar - had also reportedly pledged their open support for Mukhriz.