PUTRAJAYA – In what appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek jab, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor should be given ample time to realise his vision of a Greater Kedah.
Saifuddin playfully remarked that while the Kedah menteri besar would be entrusted with overseeing projects of significant value, he himself would handle smaller-scale initiatives in the state.
The home minister sarcastically said that although the Kedah State Development Action Council (MTPN) had yet to convene a meeting, Sanusi would be dedicated to advancing the Greater Kedah development agenda.
“I’m inclined to give Sanusi the space he needs to focus on Greater Kedah’s development. Whether it’s the ambitious Kulim Airport project or the land reclamation endeavour near Sg Petani worth RM40 billion, give me the small projects and I’ll let him handle the big leagues worth billions,” Saifuddin quipped during a press conference held in Putrajaya.
Saifuddin said that apart from Greater Kedah, Sanusi will also prioritise the racing circuit in Sg Petani.
“He’s also keen on constructing a land bridge, but I urge him to concentrate on Greater Kedah. I’ll handle minor issues within Kedah. This way, I honour Sanusi’s responsibility as menteri besar to develop Greater Kedah.
“I’ll ensure the completion of water treatment plants and address complaints about water supply disruptions in Kedah. With five water treatment plants overseen by the federal government, land disputes have been settled.
“We have both new and ongoing projects totaling RM1.8 billion. Through my frequent visits, I aim to streamline project continuity more efficiently,” he explained.
Earlier, Sanusi alleged that Saifuddin had never convened a meeting to discuss federal infrastructure projects in the state since the council’s inception.
In response, Saifuddin said Sanusi’s tendency to disclose crucial government meeting details, particularly during political speeches, led to the postponement of Kedah MTPN meetings.
Despite the lack of joint meetings with Sanusi, Saifuddin maintained that it has not hindered his duties as the MTPN’s joint chairman overseeing federal projects in Kedah.
Sanusi countered, dismissing Saifuddin’s concerns over leaked government secrets as baseless, given the absence of meetings. – March 19, 2024