Solve basic issues before seeking more power, Sanusi told

FMT:

 

Solve basic issues before

seeking more power,

Sanusi told

FMT Reporters

-01 Feb 2025, 09:00 PM

Taufiq Johari dismisses the Kedah menteri besar’s call for Putrajaya to grant the state government the authority to regulate padi cultivation.

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Kedah PKR Youth chief Taufiq Johari (left) said the withdrawal of a Dubai investor from a mega project had cast doubt on the capability of Sanusi Nor’s government.

PETALING JAYA: 

Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor has been urged by an MP from PKR to resolve “basic issues” in the state before seeking authority to regulate padi cultivation and the rice industry.

Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari alleged that several mega projects planned by Sanusi’s government had failed, while Kedah’s water woes remained unresolved.

As an example, Taufiq cited the proposed RM40 billion Langkasuka land reclamation project in Langkawi, from which a Dubai-based conglomerate withdrew in November.

He said Sanusi had absolved himself of responsibility for the project by saying it was simply a private sector initiative and was not the state government’s responsibility.

“(Such issues) cast doubt on his government’s capability to manage large-scale projects (and heavy responsibilities). If the management of padi cultivation is handed over to the state and it fails, would Sanusi again pass the buck to other parties and claim it’s not the state government’s responsibility?” said Taufiq, who is Kedah PKR Youth chief, in a statement.

Sanusi had urged Putrajaya earlier today to grant state governments the authority to regulate padi cultivation and the rice industry to help tackle the shortage of local white rice.

The menteri besar said many have been complaining about the shortage and questioning what his government was doing about the issue, since Kedah produces more than 41% of rice for West Malaysia.