Penang deputy chief minister (1) Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin believes he is the target of political envy because of his ‘hot seat’, and intends to give adversaries a taste of their own medicine.

In his six months in office, the PKR leader has endured criticism from many quarters.

mohammad fairus penang deputy cm deny resign 160708 01 Fairus warned his adversaries, whom he claimed are jealous of his quick political rise, that they were miscalculating if they thought he is lembik (soft) person.

"If they (critics) think that I am naïve about their political manoeuvring, they are wrong," he said.

While he indicated that he was ready to counter with a few tricks of his own, he refused to disclose these.

Without naming those involved, he had a go at segments of the media and bloggers for ganging up with his critics to undermine his credibility at the slightest opportunity.

"They are in small numbers but I now know who they are. And I know who are behind them," he told Malaysiakini today.

The Penanti assemblyperson has faced complaints of being late for functions and meetings, lacking rapport with constituents and state Pakatan Rakyat leaders, and evading field work.

He was furious that they were ‘harping on trivial issues’ and explained that unexpected commitments sometimes delay his presence at events.

"I have not committed corrupt practice or abused my power to warrant such criticism," he lamented.

‘Close working ties’

He described the allegations as lies and said he had close working ties with Pakatan leaders, especially with the chief minister and executive councillors.

"They don't seem to have a problem with me," said the PKR leader, who last month hit out at Malay weekly Siasah for publishing’ unfair comments’ that undermined his position and work ethic.

Fairus has dropped the idea of suing the tabloid over the article, published two months ago, after dialogue with its editorial board.

"I am not against criticism by the media and press freedom but comments must be fair and just. The writer should have at least published my side of story. It was a blatant attempt to undermine my credibility, dignity and integrity," he claimed.

anwar ibrahim and pkr and people The report apparently led to party supremo Anwar Ibrahim to rebuke him for not "going to the ground to meet the people and resolve their problems".

Although this was at a closed-door state PKR meeting two months ago, the ‘slap on the wrist’ was leaked to certain newspapers.

"Newspapers made it look like the party leaders disliked my working style," he said.

He feels the media have completely ‘missed’ his Penanti welfare programme and efforts to assist constituents during the recent floods.

Regarded as one of Anwar's favourites, Fairus was made one of two deputy chief ministers after Penang fell to the Pakatan coalition in the March general election.

Rumours had swirled in July that Fairus had fallen out with Anwar and intended to resign his government post, but he quickly quashed the rumour.