Samsuri shrugs off Zahid's call to keep Sanusi in Kedah

N SEMBILAN POLLS | Perikatan Nasional chairperson Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has said there are no instructions barring Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor from campaigning in the ongoing state election.

Samsuri also described BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that Sanusi should remain in Kedah as a personal opinion.

“I believe it depends on Sanusi whether he can come (to Negeri Sembilan to campaign) or not after this.

“Both him and I are menteris besar - apart from campaigning, we still have the responsibility of administering our state. If he can come, he should,” Malaysia Gazette quoted Samsuri as saying at a press conference in Seremban last night.

Yesterday, Zahid urged Sanusi, who is PN election director, to stop playing up racial and religious issues during the election campaign, further urging him to stay in his own state.

He added that Sanusi’s speeches might be suitable for the people of Kedah but should not be brought to Negeri Sembilan, as they could invite different interpretations and cause unease in a multiracial society.

Sanusi had said during a joint BN-PN ceramah three days ago that Malaysia was the only homeland and refuge for the Malays, while other races have other countries.

“Malays have no other land. Malays only have this Tanah Melayu. Indians have India, Chinese have China, Cambodians have Cambodia, and the Siamese have Thailand. Where do the Malays go? Malays are only here,” Sanusi told an audience of more than 300 people.

However, after receiving brickbats, Sanusi threatened to file police reports and other legal actions against those who manipulate his remarks.

According to a report from Harian Metro yesterday afternoon, Sanusi told a press conference in Alor Setar that his statement was based on facts.

“I only mentioned facts. I will sue anyone who tries to manipulate this issue for political gain.

“I will file a counter-police report. I will take legal action to rectify the situation. Don’t try to distort the facts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Umno doubled down on its rejection of Sanusi's comments, with BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir and Umno information chief Azalina Othman Said stressing the country’s multi-ethnic composition.

In a statement today, Azalina said the PAS leader’s remarks must not be taken lightly, adding that such rhetoric provides the impression that non-Malays have another homeland.

“In fact, for millions of Malaysians of Chinese and Indian descent, Malaysia is not a place of refuge. Malaysia is their homeland,” the de facto law minister said.

In a statement today, the higher education minister said the BN-PN cooperation in Negeri Sembilan does not mean that his coalition will sacrifice its principles or accept narratives driven by other parties.

“BN also rejects the politics of fear that continues to be played by certain parties by portraying that a race will be threatened if a certain party’s political cooperation rules. 

“The politics of fear is dangerous because it invites suspicion, prejudice, and hatred,” he said.

‘MCA should learn from MIC’

Separately, DAP lawmaker Chong Zhemin condemned MCA president Wee Ka Siong for what he called a “weak” and “evasive” response to Sanusi’s statement.

The Kampar MP said this stood in stark contrast to MIC president SA Vigneswaran’s reaction, as the latter had rejected Sanusi’s portrayal of ethnic Chinese and Indians as foreigners while urging BN to review its pact with PN.

“Wee should state clearly that Sanusi’s remarks were wrong. He should demand that Sanusi withdraw them and apologise. He should also state whether MCA will review its cooperation with PN if Sanusi refuses.

“Until Wee takes these steps, his statement remains an attempt to protect Sanusi and divert attention towards DAP,” Chong asserted in a statement today.

Instead of following Vigneswaran’s move, Chong said Wee had attacked DAP while raising issues that had nothing to do with Sanusi’s statement.

“Malaysia is the only country of Chinese Malaysians. We are not foreigners, temporary residents or guests.

“Wee was given a clear opportunity to defend that principle. He failed miserably,” he added.

Sanusi’s statement had drawn the ire of DAP and PKR lawmakers, who then pressed MCA to state its stand over BN and PN’s cooperation in the Negeri Sembilan polls.

‘DAP like pot calling kettle black’

In response, Wee accused DAP of selective outrage and political theatre, saying the party’s attempt to portray itself as the sole defender of the Chinese community was unconvincing while claiming that it had also resorted to racial and religious rhetoric when politically convenient.

He further criticised DAP’s performance in government, claiming that issues such as the rising cost of living, economic pressures, education, and challenges faced by businesses remained unresolved despite repeated promises.

At the same time, he urged Sanusi to promptly clarify remarks attributed to him that allegedly questioned the loyalty or sense of belonging of Chinese Malaysians, adding that such statements should be avoided as they could undermine national unity and create unnecessary misunderstanding.

On the other hand, Vigneswaran urged BN to consider contesting solo, saying that remarks touching on racial and religious sensitivities not only complicate political cooperation but also undermine BN’s efforts to win over a multi-ethnic electorate.

While reminding PN leaders not to treat Chinese and Indian Malaysians as foreigners, Vigneswaran compared PAS’ political approach to Amanah’s, which he viewed as far more inclusive and mature in championing its Islamic agenda.

Meanwhile, MCA deputy president Mah Hang Soon questioned whether Sanusi’s statement implies that PN does not serve the interests of non-Malays, considering the presence of the Malaysian Indian People’s Party in the coalition.

“Resorting to racial rhetoric during an election campaign to divide voters is an ugly tactic that deserves repudiation,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Pointing to Malaysia’s diversity, he urged politicians to focus on delivering effective service while prioritising public welfare.

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