ALOR STAR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - All 19 Kedah assemblymen under the Barisan Nasional ruling coalition remained firm on wanting the state's chief Mukhriz Mahathir to go during a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, the state's deputy Umno chairman Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said on Monday (Feb 1).

His remarks came a day after Datuk Seri Mukhriz, son of Najib critic and ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad, hit back at those plotting to oust him in a strongly-worded statement.

The leadership crisis ignited on Jan 20, when 14 out of 15 Umno divisions in Kedah withdrew support for Mr Mukhriz as menteri besar, saying his "weak leadership" had stalled the state's economy.

The move to unseat Mr Mukhriz is seen as an act of vengeance by Umno chief and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, as the Kedah Chief Minister has so far supported his father in the latter's harsh criticisms of the Premier.

"All the 19 assemblymen who were at the meeting on Sunday afternoon maintained their stand," said Mr Ahmad Bashah of the meeting with the Premier.

"The Speaker was also there, making the total 20 people present," he told reporters.

Kedah assemblymen are due to meet the state's Regency Council on Monday and Mr Ahmad Bashah said that they would convey their wish to see Mr Mukhriz replaced.

"If possible, we wish for the issue to be resolved soon as it's been going on for long," Mr Ahmad Bashah said.