Sanusi officially takes the helm in Kedah

ALOR SETAR: Kedah Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been reappointed Mentri Besar following the coalition’s big win in the state election on Saturday.

The Jeneri assemblyman took his oath of office before Kedah Ruler Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah at Istana Anak Bukit here at 10.15am yesterday.

In the state election, Muhammad Sanusi, who is also PAS Kedah deputy commissioner, retained the Jeneri seat after defeating Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Muhamad Khizri Abu Kassim with a majority of 16,050 votes. Perikatan also won 33 out of the 36 seats in the state legislative assembly.

Muhammad Sanusi, who was born on Aug 4, 1974, was political secretary to former Kedah mentri besar, the late Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak, from 2008 to 2013.

He first contested during the 12th General Election for the Belantek state seat but lost to Barisan’s Datuk Mohd Tajudin Abdullah.

In the 14th General Election in 2018, he contested in Jeneri and won the state seat after defeating Mahadzir Abdul Hamid of Barisan and PKR’s Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan (PKR) with a majority of 2,455 votes.

Muhammad Sanusi, a graduate of Universiti Sains Malaysia, is married to Tok Puan Jusmalailani Jusoh, and the couple has five children.

During a press conference at his office in Wisma Darul Aman, Muhammand Sanusi said the appointment of the state executive council would be settled this week, Bernama reported.

He said Perikatan leaders would be meeting later (yesterday) to discuss the matter.

“I will look at names proposed by them before choosing those who can help implement and translate the Kedah Development Plan 2035.

“It will be a difficult task (to select the candidates) as all our elected representatives have the qualifications.

“As for the number, I’ll maintain it at 11, including myself, and the portfolios will be adjusted according to current needs,” he said.

When asked about the state government’s relationship with the Federal Government, Muhammad Sanusi said it would be a new beginning and he was prepared to cooperate for the sake of the people in Kedah.