Stop immature politics, focus on Kedah, Syerleena blasts Sanusi

KUALA LUMPUR – Instead of playing “immature” politics, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor should focus on administration, seeing his state is second poorest in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, said a Penang lawmaker.

DAP’s Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid has slammed the Kedah PAS leader, saying that stirring allegations over Penang’s sovereignty was an attempt to divert attention from his failure in governing his state.

“He also intends to divert attention from his failures as menteri besar, including the water issues in Kedah and deforestation leading to floods and changes in Yan’s geography.

“The lack of short-term and medium-term solutions to the water issue, particularly in the Kuala Kedah area, is said to be evidence of the state government’s failure under Sanusi’s leadership,” said the Seri Delima assemblywoman in a statement today.

She added that Penang’s position within the Federation of Malaysia is clear and “immature political polemics should not occur” ahead of the state elections in six states.

“There are other issues that reflect his leadership failures, including the issue of rare earth element (REE) mining not receiving approval from the relevant authorities, as well as issues in agriculture, youth racing tracks, and new stadiums.

“Looking at Kedah’s GDP performance in 2021, the state recorded only 3.2%. For the record, Penang achieved the highest GDP performance at 6.8%, followed by Selangor (5.0%), Terengganu (3.6%), and Perak (3.5%).

“Sanusi should not forget that he is also a ‘product’ of Penang, having studied at USM Penang. Additionally, he has previously worked as an education officer for Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP).”

Sanusi has been reiterating that Penang belongs to Kedah and that the federal constitution needs to be amended to accommodate findings made by historians and experts in Kedah.

He added that Penang belongs to the Kedah sultanate and those who founded the island state, as well as the claim that those who later went on to colonise it for almost 200 years did it by way of deceit.

Several leaders have condemned Sanusi for his remarks, especially Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who said all leaders need to respect the constitutional agreement that has been consented to by all Malay rulers, including the Kedah sultan.

“Sometimes, when a leader speaks, he has to understand the constitution and what is an agreement.

“The agreement may have been signed 300, 1000 years ago, (but) there is the final agreement of establishing the Federation of Malaya and that is clear.

“To say things in terms of political drama is another matter but as menteri besar, I think it is only appropriate to be bound by legislation.” – The Vibes, June 2, 2023