The open rebellion declared against Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has highlighted cracks in his state government with at least one exco present at the press conference denouncing his leadership.

According to Berita Harian , state exco Tajul Urus Mat Zain admitted to being present during the press conference but claimed he was not aware of the circumstances when he was invited to the press conference.

However, he made no effort to re-pledge his support for Mukhriz but merely said he disagreed with Kedah Umno deputy chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah's methods in declaration open confrontation against Mukhriz.

"There were questions on whether this was the right method... the issue of leadership is normal but it's the method (of raising the issue).

"When I arrived I was asking questions about it but in the end I complied (with the rest)," he said.

In contrast, two other exco members Suraya Yaacob and Aminuddin Omar were critical of the press conference and disputed Bashah's claim that Mukhriz has lost majority support.

"It cannot be said that the entire Kedah Umno leadership rejects the menteri besar.

"If that's the case even Umno branch leaders would be against him.

"That (claim) is only representative of those who were there (at the press conference)," she was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Suraya added that she was not invited to press conference and would not have endorsed it anyway.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin too said he was not invited to the press conference and pledged his full support to Mukhriz.

He also accused those present at the press conference of disrespecting the state's constitution and the fact that Mukhriz was appointed with the Kedah sultan's consent.

Yesterday, Mukhriz's opponents led by Ahmad Bashah claimed the Kedah menteri besar had failed in his duties and called on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to intervene by removing Mukhriz from office.

The move is seen as a retaliation by forces loyal to Najib for Mukhriz's father Mahathir Mohamad's relentless effort to oust Najib as prime minister.

It remains to be seen if Mukhriz will move against his exco members who are disloyal to him.

There are a total of ten exco members in the state government including Mukhriz.