 He was also seen as a potential candidate for being the deputy chief of UMNO Youth, but he later withdrew his candidacy.Mukhriz was noted for his continuous efforts in speaking for his father in the events of the rift between Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his father.In 2006, his father lost a bid to be elected as one of seven delegates from Kubang Pasu to UMNO's general assembly; Mukhriz was elected as one of the seven.