IT is a rare scene that Malaysia witnessed yesterday (May 4) with Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor expressing appreciation for the readiness of Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to listen to Kedah’s requests regarding development projects in the state and topping it with an apology to the PM.
Sanusi has been among the staunchest critics of the PM, challenging him and his government and ministers on every single occasion that is presented to him.
But yesterday saw a magnificent but surprising turn of events, with a photo of Sanusi bending to kiss Anwar’s hands going viral.
Usai program-program di Perak, saya ke Alor Setar, Kedah dan langsung ke Wisma Darul Aman untuk mempengerusikan Taklimat Pembangunan Negeri Kedah.
Taklimat ini dihadiri Menteri Besar Kedah, Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor serta Ahli-Ahli Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri,… pic.twitter.com/SeKrWrJxwD
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 4, 2024
As a result of this warm welcome to Kedah, Anwar is said to have approved several projects presented by the state government to the unity government.
Sanusi said that during the Special Kedah State Development Meeting held earlier, the PM provided positive feedback to the state’s requests and immediately approved several projects.
“I thank the PM for visiting the states, and today in Kedah, it was harmonious, and we conveyed our aspirations to the PM.
“The PM responded positively, for requests that could be approved, he approved them right away, and for those requiring detailed discussion with the ministries, he asked the relevant ministry’s secretary-general directly to look into them,“ he said after the meeting at Wisma Darul Aman.
According to Sanusi, a total of eight projects were proposed for federal government approval, in addition to several others that were included in the list.
Among the projects proposed by the state government for federal approval and fiscal assistance are infrastructure facilities in village areas and support for paddy field maintenance.
This is not the only surprising turnaround we have seen so far.
Last week, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud thanked Anwar for providing Kelantan with the same treatment as other states.
He said the prime minister also gave very good feedback to discussions related to development in Kelantan during a closed-door meeting.
During his visit to Kelantan, Anwar once again reiterated that the Madani government will do its utmost to ensure that Kelantan progresses alongside other states.
Anwar also said this at the Madani 2024 state-level Aidilfitri celebration held at the Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) in Bandar Baru Tunjong. Also present was Nassuruddin.
Echoing Nassuruddin’s sentiments, Anwar said continuing political bickering would not bring benefit to the people, including those in Kelantan. He added that the Kelantanese should also benefit from planned programmes, both in the short and long term. – May 5, 2024
