Outgoing Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir said the move to oust him was to silence him for his criticism against the RM2.6 billion 'donation' and 1MDB.

"But now I feel independent and free and won't be silenced."

Asked if he will quit politics, Mukhriz said: "No, it's in my blood. If people still want me, I will continue."

He also told a press conference at the state administrative office in Wisma Darul Aman that he turned down an offer from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to take up a post of deputy minister.

In explaining why he was shown the door, Mukhriz said it was due to his repeated calls for Najib to review the six percent goods and services tax (GST), which has burdened the people.

Asked if he would continue raising these issues, Mukhriz said he had more opportunities to do so now.

He added that a weight had been lifted off his shoulders following his resignation.

"I have no position now. There is more leeway to speak my mind, so beware," he warned.

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