Kedah Bersatu deputy chief Anuar Abdul Hamid is questioning if PKR is plotting to unseat Mukhriz Mahathir as menteri besar and take the position for one of its members.

This is in response to Malaysiakini’s article quoting Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul saying that he could "do wonders" in Kedah if incoming PKR president Anwar Ibrahim took over his parliamentary seat to pave the way to become prime minister.

Johari, who is also the Gurun assemblyperson, added that the move could pave way for him (Johari) to head the state of Kedah.

"I interpret his statement to mean that if Anwar becomes prime minister, there would be a reshuffle in the Kedah Pakatan Harapan government.

"Johari would then be rewarded by being appointed as the new Kedah menteri besar as a reward for giving up the Sungai Petani parliamentary seat," Anuar said in a statement today.

He reminded Johari that it was already agreed within Harapan before the 14th general election that Bersatu would take the lead in Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Johor while PKR would lead in Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan.

Anuar added that it was also decided that DAP would be in charge of Penang, the Federal Territories and Sarawak while Amanah would oversee Kelantan, Terengganu and Malacca.

"Why then does the Sungai Petani MP and Gurun assemblyperson suddenly want to seize the Kedah menteri besar position from Bersatu?" he asked.

Anuar also addressed Johari's claim that Kedah was not in "full gear", stressing that Mukhriz had made detailed planning for the development of the state since he became menteri besar the first time around in 2013.

"Unfortunately he was sacked (by Umno) just two years into the job. Now, he must revive those plans for Kedah's development amid various problems and challenges," he said.

Mukhriz, who is the Bersatu deputy president and Kedah Bersatu chief, led Harapan to wrest the state from BN during the May 9 general election, and was later sworn in as menteri besar.

Anuar also urged Johari not to take advantage of Anwar's eventual appointment as prime minister for personal interest.

"I would like to advise my respected old friend to cease such polemics during the PKR election period as it does not benefit Harapan. Let us work together to build a new Malaysia," he said.