ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today expressed hope that the federal government will consider providing assistance to Kedah following another bout of floods that have left extensive damage to infrastructure in the state.
The Jeneri assemblyman said he was confident Kedah will receive attention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, citing the good relationship between both sides.
"I've been informed that the Deputy Finance Minister will be visiting Kedah this Saturday. I will present Kedah's needs, including damaged roads, bridges, and public facilities that require repair.
"We will submit these requests for consideration (by the federal government).
"I have no issues with the federal government. If it's about the election campaign earlier, I have already apologised multiple times, including during the Hari Raya gathering in May.
"Actually, we are bound by the (Federal) Constitution. The 9th Schedule outlines the shared responsibilities of the state and the federal government.
"If they say they can't help Kedah because of my outspokenness, they should understand that every state has its own way of communicating.
"Since the election campaign ended, I believe I haven't made any remarks that would offend anyone. If I have, I apologise again," he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman.
Sanusi added that there are no current issues that could strain relations between the state government and the federal government.
The Perikatan Nasional election director said, as a Muslim, he prioritises maintaining good relationships and friendships with everyone.
In September, Anwar had approved a RM13 million allocation to Kedah for post-flood repair works on infrastructure damaged by the floods.
Anwar had announced this after visiting several temporary flood relief centres in Kota Setar district.
Last month, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail presented RM4.23 million in cash aid assistance from the prime minister to 4,223 padi farmers under under Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) who suffered losses when their crop were devastated by the September floods.