KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) claim that Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is facing security threats has been described as a ploy to garner sympathy from the public, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
In an announcement made by PAS Youth deputy chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, during the conclusion of the Mega PN Kedah campaign event in Taman Ria, Sg Petani, last night, he said Sanusi was advised not to attend campaign ceramah to ensure his safety.
However, this advisory has drawn scepticism from Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Saifuddin.
He believes that this move reflects Sanusi’s defensiveness and is likely an attempt to evoke sympathy from the public.
Saifuddin urged PN leadership and members who feel their safety is compromised during the campaign period to report such matters to police with complete information and evidence.
Amidst these developments, PAS has been accused of propagating a malicious narrative to get sympathy and create animosity towards their political rivals instead of fostering healthy competition.
This provocative approach has also drawn criticism from various quarters, who emphasised that the elections should be based on political ideologies and policies rather than resorting to issues of personal safety.
Meanwhile, in an effort to boost support for the PH-BN coalition, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to be in Kedah for a “grand finale” event on the eve of polls.
Anwar will hold rallies in Alor Star and Sg Petani in the final stretch of the campaign.
It is said that despite initially being considered underdogs, PH has gained momentum during the campaign period, with internal reports indicating potential victories in Ayer Hangat and Kuah constituencies.
While the situation remains tense in Kedah, authorities have reported a generally peaceful campaign in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang, Kelantan, and Terengganu, with minimal incidents except for sporadic acts of vandalism. – The Vibes, August 7, 2023
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