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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright July 2023
Sanusi, the MB of Kedah, has gained significant popularity due to several key factors.
One of the primary reasons for his appeal is his outspoken nature and straightforward character. He is known for expressing his opinions without hesitation, which resonates strongly with his supporters, especially the people of Kedah.
These individuals appreciate leaders who boldly defend their principles, and Sanusi's candid and direct speaking style endears him to his audience. Often described as a "kampung cowboy," he is seen as someone who fearlessly takes on challenges.
Sanusi's political personality and style are favoured by devoted voters, especially those supporting PAS/PN in Kedah. He possesses a genuine understanding of the sociocultural preferences of the people in the state, further enhancing his appeal to this group.
Political analyst Mohd Yusri Ibrahim from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu points out that the majority of Kedah's population, particularly staunch PN supporters, fully support Sanusi His research indicates that Sanusi's style and political persona find strong backing among dedicated voters, especially PAS or PN supporters in Kedah, as they admire leaders who fearlessly defend their principles.
Yusri also highlights that Sanusi's strong character within PAS has solidified his position as the party's Kedah vice president. As long as PN maintains its strength in the state, Yusri expects Sanusi to continue leading Kedah in the future.
However, it is important to acknowledge that Sanusi's personality and style may not appeal to fence-sitters and voters who base their decisions on performance and evaluation. Yusri suggests that if Sanusi continues with his brash behaviour, he may deter fence-sitters and voters who prefer leaders like Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri, who attract support through performance-based evaluations.
On the other hand, political analyst Azmil Tayeb from Universiti Sains Malaysia highlights that in terms of popularity, Sanusi is the right candidate for PN to lead Kedah because he projects an image and perception of being an anti-elitist populist. He is seen as down-to-earth and is known for addressing the concerns that matter most to ordinary folks, especially those in the villages of Kedah, like his hometown of Sik.
This contrast in style is particularly notable when compared to PMX at the federal level. PMX is seen as less provincial, and more sophisticated, and often discusses concepts that the ordinary person may find difficult to understand. In Kedah, PMX may seem physically and otherwise distant from ordinary people in rural areas.
However, Sanusi is seen as being with them, grappling with the issues that concern them on a daily basis. This proximity and relatability contribute to Sanusi's popularity among the people of Kedah, particularly when compared to the national leadership based in Putrajaya.
We believe Sanusi will emerge victorious in the state polls and continue to enjoy his popularity, ensuring him of another five-year term in office as the MB of Kedah.
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