ALOR STAR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah was sworn in on Thursday (Feb 4) as Kedah Menteri Besar.

He took his oath before the Regency Council led by Chairman Tan Sri Tunku Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah at a ceremony packed with dignitaries.

His written oath of office was witnessed by Alor Star High Court judge Justice Datuk Hashim Hamzah and Kedah Syariah Court chief judge Datuk Syeikh Abd Rahman Abdullah.

Immediately after Mr Ahmad Bashah was sworn in, his first task was to witness the conferment of medals to about 200 recipients from the Regency Council.

It is learnt that former menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir, who resigned on Wednesday, was not present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Two weeks ago, 14 Umno division leaders held a press conference to declare their loss of confidence in Datuk Seri Mukhriz. One of their reasons was that he had failed to prepare Kedah Umno for the next general election.

Mr Ahmad Bashah said on Wednesday that he was confident peace would now reign in Kedah Umno.

"I am certain all will be well now. We have changed the menteri besar a few times but we are still united," he said.

He believed those who had supported Mr Mukhriz before the latter resigned would also return.

"The party will not leave anyone behind. We will welcome those who had objected to the change when they return. I am sure even Mukhriz will return," he added.