When Kedah Wanita Umno chief Maznah Hamid was informed about a closed-door meeting at the Grand Alora Hotel in Alor Setar yesterday, she reportedly had no clue as to what was on the agenda.
According to Sinar Harian , Maznah was only told the session would be with the state Umno leaders.
"As a state wing and division chief, I went (to the meeting) in order to get an update on the party's latest developments, particularly in Kedah.
"But when I arrived, there was no meeting or briefing.
"Together with several other leaders, we were asked to come forward and participate in the press conference despite we not knowing real reason for it," she said.
Maznah said this in response to Kedah Umno number two Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah's declaration at the press conference that the state Umno has lost confidence in Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir.
The Wanita leader also pointed out that her presence at the press conference should not be misconstrued as supporting the move to oust the menteri besar.
"I really hope the Umno leadership will be rationale in making any decision.
"We should not do anything that will burden the rakyat and be detrimental to our own people," she said.
Malaysiakini was unable to reach Maznah for further comment.
Meanwhile, Bandar Baru state assemblyperson Norsabrina Mohd Noor also said she was not informed of the press conference.
"I was not present and not aware," Norsabrina told Malaysiakini in a text message when asked if all Umno state leaders were aware of the move to remove Mukhriz.
In response to Ahmad Bashah, a defiant Mukhriz declared last night that he is the menteri besar by virtue of the rakyat's mandate and the sultan's consent.
The strike against Mukhriz is speculated to be in retaliation to his father Dr Mahathir Mohamad's campaign to oust Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
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