DURING the last state election involving six states including Kedah, people could see to some extent how arrogant Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was during the course of his speeches.
His political speeches were often laced with words that make his non-supporters think that he has some extreme views of things.
For this reason, when he dragged the Sultan of Selangor into his ceramah, it did not only hurt the reputation of the palace but the remarks were simply uncalled for.
For this reason, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director has been charged in court for sedition. In a video clip that went viral, Sanusi was found showing off his boxing skills at a freestanding punch bag.
The reason for displaying the punching act after removing a yellow cloth (conventionally linked to the royalty) and the punch bag adorning the shade of red used in Pakatan Harapan (PH) logo raises questions about the hidden meaning and his real motive.
Royalty aside, Sanusi had in at least two incidents badmouthed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and vowed to overthrow the unity government helmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s (PMX).
The water woes suffered by Kedahans are the result of Sanusi and failure of previous Kedah menteri besar in addressing the long-standing problem. Despite his attempts to assist Kedah with the problem, PMX has been bashed by Sanusi’s uncouth behaviours.
Some tricks up Sanusi’s sleeve?
Therefore, it would be interesting to see how things develop with Sanusi’s recent appeal to the Tourism Ministry and Tourism Malaysia to assist with the Visit Kedah 2025 campaign. The sudden turnaround comes as a big surprise to some but most people would wonder if the Jeneri state assemblyman “is up to something again”.
For example, would the PAS deputy state commissioner accept the blame if he fails to deliver or would he blame the federal government for failing to help Kedah with its Visit Kedah Year 2025?
It is easy for one to find a scapegoat or pin the blame on the federal government for failing to support the state with its tourism plan. But to implement the touristic draw is not that easy as Sanusi would like to think.
Kedah and the MB have to work extra hard to attract tourists to its state instead of playing up more issues that pissed off the rakyat of other states. To begin with, PN Kedah has to review its own policies which are now turning away even local tourists from visiting resorts like Langkawi.
If even local tourists are shunning Langkawi for fear related to dress code restrictions and consumption of alcohol, imagine how would this affect foreign tourists who like to dress casually when they go to the beach.
Local non-Muslims will surely avoid places where the authorities impose all sorts of restrictions. As people are going to these places for a good holiday, the last they want is to be fined for wearing shorts on a hot “summer” holiday by the beach.
Perhaps, it is time for Sanusi to behave like a good statesman for the sake of people who voted for him. As there are 13 states which want to see a boost in tourism dollars, why would Tourism Malaysia or Tiong for that matter waste time on a state where its MB is anything but hostile towards them? – Dec 18, 2023
Main pic credit: Berita Harian
