Newly minted Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has denied that PAS reneged on its promise to support Mukhriz Mahathir as MB until the end of his term.
"It was during a different time. At that time, I went to see him, to give him the support to be MB but we did it to avoid a political crisis that would disadvantage the rakyat," Sanusi (above) said when asked to respond to the claim.
"Ties with the federal government were getting sour then. The change of government is not PAS' doing, but Pakatan Harapan themselves," he added.
Sanusi was referring to Mukhriz who said PAS leadership had assured him that they will not pressure the Harapan assemblypersons to jump ship, agreeing to allow Mukhriz to continue to be MB until the term ends in 2023.
Sworn in today, Sanusi replaces Mukhriz as Menteri Besar after the latter failed to maintain the confidence of the majority of elected representatives in the state assembly.
Kedah ruler endorsed the change of government from Harapan to Perikatan Nasional led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin after 23 elected representatives withdrew their support from Mukhriz.
The 23 included PKR (2) and Bersatu (4) assemblypersons who pledged allegiance to Muhyiddin.
Meanwhile, Sanusi expressed hope that the opposition will continue to show good and constructive cooperation and example in the Kedah administration for the benefit of the people and the state.
He assured them that the new government will exercise good judgment and fairness to all.
"There will be no mistreatment or injustice against any party including government personnel from the previous political appointments category," Sanusi said.
On development projects undertaken by the previous government, Sanusi said the programmes will continue although they will require improvement.
"There are sectors that may require us to press the reset button. This will be done with the utmost care of the people as a priority," he said.
Sanusi said Kedah is one of the poorest states in the country which requires drastic steps to boost the people's economy at various levels.
He proposed "a jihadist programme" to eradicate poverty involving indigenous and orphans which will be formulated in partnership with the Kedah Zakat Authority.
"This will not only focus on Muslims. The state executive councillor who will be responsible for the portfolio of non-Muslim affairs to be appointed in the next few days will also commit to eradicating poverty through more effective programmes," the Jeneri assemblyperson said, adding that the state excos will be appointed soon.
Although Sanusi was a former protege of deceased Kedah MB Azizan Abu Bakar, the former said the situation in the state is different now.
"We used to rule with DAP (in then Pakatan Rakyat). DAP is not with us now, that's a big difference," he added. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.