PM: I endorsed replacing Perak MB? No such thing

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has dismissed BN's claim that he had endorsed the replacement of Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

"No such thing," he responded to reporters when attending an event at Putrajaya today.

He said he was happy with the performance of Ahmad Faizal, and so were Bersatu members.

Mahathir, who is also the Pakatan Harapan chairperson, said Ahmad Faizal appeared to be a controversial figure as some wanted to take over his place as Perak menteri besar.

"(He is embroiled) in controversy because people want to take his place and people always find everybody controversial.

"Even myself also, there are people who want to replace me. Yeah, it's normal," he said without naming any individual.

On Thursday, Perak BN chief Saarani Mohamad claimed that a plot to oust Ahmad Faizal was ongoing as more BN state assemblypersons were being approached by a state executive councillor.

According to Saarani, the exco claimed the ouster had the blessing of Mahathir.

Last November, Saarani claimed that Perak Education, Technology, Science and Environment Committee chairperson Aziz Bari was the mastermind of the plot against Ahmad Faizal.

As a result, Aziz was summoned by the state MACC for questioning.

Saarani, and five other Umno assemblypersons - Shahrul Zaman Yahya (Rungkup), Sham Mat Sahat (Alor Pongsu), Khairul Shahril Mohamed (Bota), Maslin Sham Razman (Bukit Chandan) and Dr Jurij Jalaluddin (Lubuk Merbau) - were later called to have their statements recorded as well.

It was reported last month that eight divisions in Perak Bersatu had called for Ahmad Faizal to be dropped as Perak Bersatu chief.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin then said the matter will be dealt with. 

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