PERIKATAN Nasional is banking on its “poster boy” Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor to bring more non-Muslim voters to support the coalition in Kedah during the forthcoming state polls.
Kedah PN deputy chief M. Marimuthu Selvan said this to a news portal in reference to a survey that the state party chapter had conducted recently.
“[Sanusi] is a likeable and approachable Menteri Besars despite concerns over the ban on 4D (gaming),” he was quoted as saying by FMT.
Marimuthu was referring to the PAS-led government’s controversial decision to prohibit the operation of gaming shops in the state from January this year.
Marimuthu, who is also state Gerakan chief, pointed out that despite the criticism hurled at the Kedah Menteri Besar, many Kedahans appreciate the fact that he was hardworking and brought substantial foreign investments to the northern state.
He said with close to 4,000 new jobs created in the fourth quarter of last year as a result of Sanusi’s efforts, non-Muslim voters were starting to judge him on his performance as a chief executive of the state.
“After many years without much investment, Sanusi is the only one who ensured foreign investors received their approvals in 10 months under the E10 programme, when even Penang could not do so,” the news portal quoted Marimuthu as saying.
E10 is a fast-track process dealing with construction permits to ensure work can commence in a specified timeline without delays.
Calling Sanusi a “popular figure” since taking charge in 2020, the Gerakan leader said Kedah PN expects to increase the votes from non-Malay voters up to 15% in the state election.
It would be almost double the figure PN received from the community in the 15th general election last November, which was around 8%, he added, although he was unable to provide further details of the survey.
To this end, Marimuthu also said the coalition is banking on Sanusi’s popularity to won at least 33 of the 36 seats in the upcoming state polls, although he did not rule out the possibility of the coalition sweeping all seats following its performance during GE15.
PAS has 15 seats in the 36-member state assembly and heads a PN government in Kedah with partner Bersatu (six seats).
The opposition, Pakatan Harapan, comprises PKR (five seats), Amanah (four), DAP (two), UMNO (two) and Pejuang (two). – April 19, 2023
Main pic credit: Bernama
