Perak BN chief Saarani Mohamad has claimed that the ongoing attempt to topple the state menteri besar has got the blessings of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. 

Sinar Harian quoted him as saying that the state executive councillor who had previously met eight BN assemblypersons to convince them to join the bid to oust Ahmad Faizal Azumu, has recently met more BN representatives for the same reason. 

The state executive councillor had also claimed the ouster had the blessing of Mahathir, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairperson.

"I'm confident that the state government is not stable, as there are still those among the state executive council who are lobbying to become the menteri besar, and continue to deal with Umno assemblypersons. 

"The persuasion is still ongoing," he was quoted as telling a press conference in Ipoh yesterday. 

As the state opposition leader and Umno chairperson, Saarani, however, expressed hope that none of the 25 BN state assemblypersons and three PAS representatives will "fall" for the executive councillor's persuasion, and will remain steadfast with their respective parties.

He advised Faisal, as the Perak Harapan chief, to "correct himself" and verify if any members of his administration are attempting to oust him.

In November last year, Saarani claimed that Perak Education, Technology, Science and Environment Committee chairperson Aziz Bari was the mastermind of the plot against the MB. 

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.