ALOR STAR – Kedah Pakatan Harapan (PH) joint chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar has ticked off Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor against stirring speculations about his membership in the National Finance Council, stressing that it is the prerogative of the ruler of each state to approve a representative to the body.
Mahfuz said that Sanusi should also refrain from dragging the state royalty into his squabble with the federal government, adding that under the federal constitution, each Malay ruler’s standing should be seen above politics.
This is why when a royal decree was made about the formation of a national unity government, a majority of the parties accepted it as the only means to end the political impasse, which had rocked the country for the past five years, he said.
“Sanusi seems to be living in the ‘TikTok world’, where all the noise and music in the background has deafened him to what the reality is on the ground,” he quipped.
Sanusi was earlier reported by Berita Harian as alleging that he was being left in the cold due to efforts to remove him from the National Finance Council.
The PAS assemblyman for Jeneri, however, did not provide details on his claims, only saying that there are plans to replace Kedah’s representation on the council with state secretary Datuk Norizan Khazali.
Sanusi was reported as saying that there are lobbying efforts to get Sultan of Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Badlishah, to that end.
Mahfuz, a former Pokok Sena MP, explained that the sultan had earlier decreed that the state should try to be on good terms with the federal side despite being of different political blocs.
That could be the reason behind the alleged move to nominate the state secretary to sit on the council, especially if the law empowers rulers and governors to do it.
Article 108 of the federal constitution stipulates that the Finance Council must be headed by the prime minister or any appointed minister, while each state is represented by an individual approved by the sultan or Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
Mahfuz alluded that Sanusi may have an inkling that he is to be replaced, so to pre-empt the move raised the issue.
“I dare not think of anyone who wants to influence our beloved ruler. Our rulers are above politics as they have the wisdom to make the right decision,” Mahfuz said.
Both Kedah DAP leaders Tan Kok Yew (Derga) and Teh Swee Leong (Kota Darul Aman) urged Sanusi to furnish evidence that he is being left out cold in the federal government events or in the Finance Council.
“As a leader, one must be truthful and show proof. Enough of the propaganda politics. Instead, focus on governing Kedah well. The state deserves good leaders,” said Tan.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently invited Sanusi to an event with him at Jitra, Kubang Pasu.
“Does this mean the federal government is sidelining him?” Tan asked.
Teh urged Sanusi to win over votes by way of good governance instead of using sentiments and trying to play the “victim” card when it comes to Kedah.
Teh said he is certain Sanusi is resorting to such tactics to solidify support for PAS and the Perikatan Nasional coalition in the coming state election.
PAS remains in a strong position to retain Kedah due to the Islamist party’s strong grip on the grassroots in the state, especially in rural constituencies. – The Vibes, April 11, 2023
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