Kedah Umno deputy chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanapiah was sworn in as the new Kedah menteri besar at the Istana Anak Bukit today.

Bashah is the state's 12th menteri besar and he replaced Mukhriz Mahathir, who relinquished his post after the majority of the Kedah assemblypersons lost confidence in his leadership.

The son of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad held the post since May 6, 2013, after BN wrested Kedah from PAS at the 13th general election.

Bashah's role in spearheading a coup against Mukhriz led to a two-week political crisis which ended after the Regency Council met with the 21 BN and 15 opposition representatives.

As Bashah slipped into his new role, criticism of him dozing off during an official ceremony has gone viral.

Today, a snapshot of TV1 clip of Bashah shutting his eyes during the swearing-in ceremony is making the rounds.

According to The Star, Bashah shut his eyes for several moments but may not have dozed off because his head was still upright.

Yesterday, he said he did not nap during a function at the palace earlier this year, dismissing the allegation made by Mukhriz ( photo ) when announcing his resignation.

“I was not asleep, just closed my eyes in order to appreciate ( menghayati ) the Tuanku’s speech at the palace.

"Sometimes, I feel I can concentrate more like that," Bashah had said.

Experienced politician and administrator

Meanwhile, at the ceremony which begun at 10am, Bashah, 66, took his oath and received his writ of appointment before the Kedah regency council chaired by Tunku Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah.

It was witnessed by Kedah High Court judge Hashim Hamzah and Kedah Syariah Court chief judge Syeikh Abdul Rahman Abdullah.

Accompanying Bashah, the Bakar Bata assemblyperson, was his wife Hizam Awang Ahmad.

When met after the ceremony, Kubang Pasu MP Johari Baharom hailed Bashah as an experienced politician and administrator.

“I am confident of his capabilities,” he told reporters.

Also spotted at the ceremony was Mukhriz's loyal supporter, Jitra assemblyperson Aminuddin Omar.

Amiruddin, who is also the state executive councillor, said he was prepared for changes in the exco line-up.

Kedah state assembly deputy speaker Azmi Che Hussein urged all to remain calm.

"Believe me that today will be better than yesterday, Kedahans must give the new MB a chance," he added.