ALOR SETAR - Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor acknowledges that his outspoken nature and firm stance have led to his appointment as central Pas elections director.
He said these qualities are inherent to his personality and not a facade designed to gain popularity.
"This is my personality. That's why they (Pas) had elected me to be the election director. If not, then surely I would become Mursyidul Am Pas.
"If I am what they (Opposition) want, then I will be Mursyidul Am with a good personality, submissive and never saying anything to anyone. My original character is like that, someone from Kedah who speaks the language of Kedah," he said, here, today.
The Kedah Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman hopes that the public will understand his personality as he fulfills his political leader and Menteri Besar duties.
"The personas on social media or elsewhere are personas in line with my roles in the party or as Menteri Besar.
"My duties as Menteri Besar is different from my duties as election director. There is a difference in my speech in the election campaign as the election director. Because we are the same person playing different role and wearing different hats and shoes," he explained.
Sanusi also denies being excessive when delivering speeches, stating that it does not tarnish his image as the head of the state government.
"I didn't exaggerate, I'm just like that. There is nothing wrong with me, I am just wrong for choosing to compete in the political arena. What I said on the stage can be answered then too. I'm not hot-headed, I'm steady.
"I observed the Prime Minister's election speech the other day, and various words were uttered. I do not view it as the Prime Minister's speech, but rather the party president's speech during the election campaign," he reiterated.
He said his role as Menteri Besar adheres to the guidelines as stated in the oath of the office.
"I have never made a speech that disregards the decorum expected of a state leader when fulfilling my duties as Menteri Besar. Therefore, it is unfair to conflate my other role with that of Menteri Besar.
"When I assume the position of election director, our speeches directed at rival parties, as part of a democratic system, naturally highlight our party's virtues and expose our opponents' weaknesses," he said.
He believes that all political parties employ similar approaches according to their respective roles.
"The other three Pas Menteri Besar do not hold the same position as me. The Perlis Menteri Besar serves as the state Pas commissioner, the Kelantan Menteri Besar is appointed as the deputy Mursyidul Am, and the Terengganu Menteri Besar serves as the vice-president.
"I am the PN election general, and my role is distinct from theirs. Assessing my speeches and actions based on the position that competes in the political arena and placing them in the context of Menteri Besar is unfair and inaccurate," he clarified.