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By Mihar Dias Copyright ©️ July 2023
In a surprising revelation, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has disclosed that Pas, the Islamic political party, had extended an offer of support to Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir in his bid to remain as the Menteri Besar in 2020.
However, this offer was ultimately rejected by Mukhriz. During a recent 'Keluar Sekejap' podcast hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan, Sanusi shed light on this overlooked episode.
According to Sanusi, Pas set a condition that Mukhriz expresses his support for the then Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to secure Pas' backing. The Pas offer clearly indicated their intention to forge alliances and strengthen political ties. Sanusi believed that with Pas' support, Mukhriz could have retained his position as Menteri Besar.
But the proposal was met with silence from Mukhriz, who did not respond during the meeting held at his residence. Sanusi waited patiently for two to three days, but no answer was forthcoming. It seemed that Mukhriz disagreed with Sanusi's proposition, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Sanusi, currently serving as the Central Pas Elections Director, emphasized that his intention was never to seize power from Mukhriz. His rise to the position of Menteri Besar in May 2020 was unexpected.
After the 14th general election, Sanusi emerged as the victor among the 15 assembly members. Although he had some experience in government administration as the Political Secretary to Menteri Besar Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak, he was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kedah State Assembly.
Sanusi says he never harboured thoughts of assuming the role of Menteri Besar after being elected as the Jeneri assemblyman for the first time in 2018. His primary objective was building connections and establishing relationships within the political landscape, from drivers to sweepers.
Pas recognized Sanusi's experience and capabilities, leading them to view him as a potential candidate. This evaluation by Pas was likely based on Sanusi's previous role as the Political Secretary to Menteri Besar Azizan from 2008 to 2013.
However, Sanusi admits that he never aspired to become the Menteri Besar of Kedah. The idea never even crossed his mind, and he was content with his position as the assemblyman for Jeneri.
This revelation sheds light on the dynamics of political manoeuvring and highlights the unpredictability of leadership transitions. The rejected offer to Mukhriz, followed by Sanusi's unforeseen rise to power, underscores the intricate web of alliances, negotiations, and personal ambitions that shape the political landscape.
In retrospect, the rejection of Pas' offer by Mukhriz proved to be a pivotal moment, ultimately leading to Sanusi assuming the role of Kedah Menteri Besar. Whether this turn of events has been for the better or worse is subjective judgment.
Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder that political landscapes can shift rapidly and unexpectedly, resulting in leadership changes that shape the course of a state's governance.
As we navigate the ever-changing realm of politics, it is crucial to remain vigilant, open to alliances, and responsive to the changing tides.
The story of the rejected offer and the unforeseen rise of Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor should prompt us to reevaluate our assumptions about political power and remind us of the inherent volatility and unpredictability of the political arena. Who knows what else could happen after the state elections?
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