The Malaysian Insight

KEDAH Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s outspoken character appeals to the state’s people, political observers said.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu political analyst Mohd Yusri Ibrahim said the majority of Kedah people, especially staunch Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters, have no problem with Sanusi and are backing him. 

“From our research, we found that Sanusi’s style and his political personality are supported by die-hard voters, especially PAS/PN supporters in Kedah,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“This is because Sanusi really understands the socioculture of Kedahans, who like outspoken leaders who dare to defend their principles.”

Yusri said with Sanusi being such a strong character in PAS, he has strengthened his position as the party’s Kedah vice-president. 

Yusri expects Sanusi to continue leading Kedah again if PN maintains its strengths in the state.

But Yusri said Sanusi’s personality and style could also put off fence-sitters.

“Fence-sitters and voters who vote based on performance and evaluation will continue to stay away if Sanusi continues with such brash behaviour.

“For example, we can compare the difference between him and Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri, who can attract the support of fence-sitters and the support (of voters) based on (his) performance,” he said.

He said Sanusi’s actions may also cause voters who may want to support PAS to reconsider their move.

Yusri was referring to Sanusi’s controversial statement about Penang belonging to Kedah. 

“His statement caused voters in the Malay segment, especially in Seberang Perai, Penang, who had just started to get along with PAS, to reject PAS again because of that issue,” he said.

Yusri predicted PN will continue to defend its position in Kedah, but with fierce competition from Pakatan Harapan and Umno/Barisan Nasional. 

Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Azmil Tayeb said in terms of popularity, Sanusi is the right PN candidate to lead Kedah.

“It is because Sanusi gives the image and perception that he is an anti-elitist populist.

“We can see many similarities between Sanusi and former US president Donald Trump. 

“Sanusi behaves like this because he is popular with his supporters and Kedah folks.

“The negative perception of outsiders is not important at all to him. Just like it isn’t to Trump,” Azmil said. – June 27, 2023.