ALOR STAR: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor statement of staking Kedah ownership claim over Penang is proof that he has run out of political arguments ahead of the upcoming state election.
Kedah Umno Information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol hit out at Sanusi's remarks, claiming that it lacked substance and only served as a ploy for a cheap political publicity stunt.
"He may be trying to hide weaknesses of his administration, which has made minimal contribution to the state's development and is plagued by unresolved issues.
"Sanusi is deliberately diverting the attention of Kedahans by provoking controversy with such statements.
"In reality, he is 'bereft of ideas' and merely continuing the policies of the previous two state governments," Shaiful said in a statement today.
He claimed that Sanusi's statement not only showed that Sanusi failed to refer to the Federal Constitution, but he also failed to recognise Penang's status as a sovereign state.
"The status of Penang as a sovereign state is affirmed following the enforcement of the Federal Constitution in 1957.
"This matter is specifically explained by the Federal Constitution in Chapter 2, Article 1 of the Federal Constitution, regarding the legal status of states under the Federal Government," he said.
Shaiful also questioned Sanusi's plan behind his statement, insisting that such actions could have massive negative implementations with little to gain.
"My question is, what will be the next course of action after he obtains findings from the Survey and Mapping Department? Is he going to stake a claim over Penang?
"In truth, this action will cause a 'catastrophe' of great constitutional magnitude and will not benefit any party, " he added.
Commenting further, Shaiful said Sanusi's popularity was only caused by his infamous behaviour, specifically his tendency to make outlandish and ridiculous statements.
"Sanusi claims that he has successfully attracted investors, when in fact, he is merely benefitting from investment initiated and pursued by the previous two state governments.
"In my opinion, Sanusi is only popular due to his position as an MB who makes outlandish claims," he added.
Shaiful stressed that as the MB, Sanusi should understand the Federal Constitution and respect the recognition of the neighbouring state, even if it was under its administration of an opposing political party.
He also claimed Sanusi's performance as state leader had yet to be truly tested as he was saved by the long-term planning of previous Kedah governments.
"He is lucky as previous governments have already planned the Water Treatment Plant upgrades, Kulim International Airport, Kedah Rubber City, Special Border Economic Zone, and Kedah Science and Technology Park.
"Hopefully, the people can judge and differentiate between the actions of 'political circus leader' and a leader who truly serves the people," he added.