Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir today signed Transparency International Malaysia's (TI-M) Election Integrity Pledge.

He said the pledge was important because every Malaysian wanted a smooth-running general election free of abuse of power and corruption.

He also stressed that "it is not my intention to sign this so I can offer myself as a candidate but nevertheless, I still think it is important.

"So, I don't think it's a problem if somehow my name is dropped," he told a press conference,here, today.
Mukhriz, who is also Kedah Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman, said the pledge was in line with his beliefs, adding that integrity must be prioritised in all aspects of life, especially in the democratic process.

On Barisan Nasional's manifesto for Kedah, Mukhriz said it was 95 per cent completed with the focus on the economy because "we want the economy of Kedah to leap to a level that we can be more proud of and give more opportunities to its people".