Mukhriz Mahathir has been challenged to contest in the Jerlun parliamentary constituency in the next general election if he feels he has the people's support.

Mukhriz's former political special officer Haris Che Mat claimed today that there was talk that the former Kedah menteri besar was afraid to contest the seat and might opt to stand in Petaling Jaya Utara or Puchong.

"If this is true, I ask Mukhriz to contest in Jerlun and Dr Mahathir Mohamad to stand in the Kubang Pasu parliamentary constituency in the 14th general election.

"If Mahathir is afraid to state that he will contest in the 14th general election, it is better that he retire from politics," the Pokok Sena Umno division vice-chief told a press conference.

- Bernama