PUTRAJAYA: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has hit out at Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over his comments on Penang's water woes, describing his conduct as "very problematic".
In a press conference today, Fahmi, who is also the government's spokesman said Sanusi's remarks could be seen as racist and seditious.
"He often does not speak facts, he lies as soon as he opens his mouth, which is not a good attitude for a menteri besar," he said when asked to comment on Sanusi's remarks over the weekend.
Previously, at the launch of Perikatan Nasional's by-election machinery on Saturday, it was reported that Sanusi had implied that Penang authorities were racially discriminating against people in Sungai Bakap over water supply issues.
Sanusi also offered to sell treated water from Lubuk Buntar Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Kulim to resolve a water supply issue in Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan.
Following this, Fahmi said Sanusi's attitude was "unbecoming" of a menteri besar.
"He should not behave in such a way. He also frequently announces private projects, and when they do not continue, he will say that it is not his problem. He is very problematic.
"Even when on stage, he can say that the Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek who is the Nibong Tebal member of parliament only won the election with 100 votes but a quick search on Google will show that she won with a majority of 16,000 votes.
"Hence, if he (Sanusi) fails at such basic things, how can he manage the state administration?"
Meanwhile, the Penang government has also slammed Sanusi over the remarks made and has since denied the accusations of "favouritism" in addressing the state's water issues.
This includes its chief minister Chow Kon Yeow telling Sanusi to look after his own backyard first before offering to sell treated water to Penang.
He said Sanusi should look after his own state first before claiming Penang had no water despite being a developed state.
Chow also chided Sanusi, saying that the water issue had nothing to do with race.