A photograph showing former Kedah menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir being embraced by his mother Dr Siti Hasmah Ali has drawn sympathetic responses from netizens.

The image was shared on the Mukhriz Mahathir Fans Facebook page, with the caption, among others, stating that a "mother's embrace provides courage to her beloved son".

The photograph was believed to have been snapped at Titi Gajah, the official residence of the menteri besar after Mukhriz announced his resignation this morning.

One netizen, Mat Shah, said that he is praying that Mukhriz would become prime minister in the future.

Rozita Muhyeeddin commented: "Syabas Datuk, retreating does not mean being defeated. There is a lesson from Allah which we do not know."

Most netizens expressed sadness and urged Mukhriz to remain strong.

Some two weeks after the political turmoil in Kedah started, the son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad tendered his resignation but vowed not to remain silent.

Speculation is rife that the move against Mukhriz was put into motion due to his father's blistering campaign against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

However, Mahathir has chosen not to intervene in the crisis, apart from stating that those behind the coup against his son were responsible for Kedah falling into the hands of the opposition in the 2008 general election.

Kedah is the home state of the former premier.

In the past, Mahathir was always said to be harbouring the ambition of seeing Mukhriz becoming prime minister.