ALOR SETAR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul today denied that he was relinquishing his post as reported by some news portals.

Describing the news reports as childish, he said speculation that he was stepping down from his post was a psychological attack against him by those who were worried about his leadership and stern actions.

"Since last night, I have been receiving calls on this matter. I will not pay attention to it, they attacked me as they have no confidence in themselves," he said when contacted.

Azizan was asked on the KL-today.com news report quoting sources who purportedly received information from the Menteri Besar's Office that he was preparing a letter to resign as Menteri Besar in the next few hours.

The speculation was the latest attack against Azizan after he defended state-owned Kolej Universiti Insaniah (Kuin) in Alor Star for suspending five of its students in May last year for breaching the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.

Asked about those who could be responsible for the speculation, Azizan said they might be the same people who wanted him removed from the party.

"Maybe... I don't know. They could also be people outside the party as they want to see the Pas-led state government weakened. Yesterday, I was in my office until 6.30pm... I'm surprised how stories like this could go out."

He said this was not the first time such a speculation was made since be became Menteri Besar in 2008, as it also arose when he was admitted to the National Heart Institute last year, including rumours that he had died.

Azizan said his focus now was on the general election, activating the opposition pact's election machinery to defend the state.