SHAH ALAM - Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, is under no obligation to respond to the challenge posed by Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who urged him to contest in the upcoming state election.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said that Saifuddin should not feel compelled to accept Muhammad Sanusi's challenge, as the latter is known for his controversial behavior, provocation, and seeking out opponents in Federal Government in order to gain political attention.
The head of Umno Jerai Division believes that if Saifuddin were to accept Muhammad Sanusi's challenge to contest a state assembly seat in Kedah, he would be accused of being power-hungry and greedy.
Jamil Khir stressed that Saifuddin should refrain from doing so, as he is currently occupied with his Home Minister and PKR secretary-general responsibilities.
"We should not engage in unnecessary politicking by challenging opposing parties in Kedah, which only leads to controversy.
"If Saifuddin accepts Muhammad Sanusi's challenge, I am concerned that people will perceive him as power-hungry and greedy," he told Sinar Premium.
Jamil Khir's comments were in response to Muhammad Sanusi, who is also the Kedah Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, openly challenging Saifuddin to contest a state assembly seat in Kedah during the upcoming election.
Muhammad Sanusi claimed that Saifuddin might have the ambition to become the Kedah Menteri Besar since he is considered more connected to the people of Kedah compared to other PKR leaders, as the Co-Chairman of the Kedah State Development Action Council.
Meanwhile, Kedah Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman, Datuk Mahfuz Omar, pointed out that Muhammad Sanusi deliberately stirred controversy by challenging Saifuddin to contest a state assembly seat because he lacks political capital.
Mahfuz added that Muhammad Sanusi was exaggerating the issue to divert attention from Pas' failures in bringing progress and development to Kedah since assuming power in 2020.
Therefore, Mahfuz predicted that Saifuddin would not only abstain from contesting in any state assembly seat in Kedah but also expected him not to defend his Pantai Jerejak state assembly seat in Penang, which he has held since the 14th General Election (GE14).
"I believe Saifuddin will not contest to defend the Pantai Jerejak state assembly seat in Penang during this state election because he is focused on more significant issues, such as national peace and security.
"I see Muhammad Sanusi's challenge to Saifuddin as failing to address the ongoing issues faced by the people of Kedah, particularly the water supply problem.
"Kedah also faces challenges related to infrastructure development and the misuse of funds by the Menteri Besar's Office for politically motivated events, during which opposition to Pas in Kedah was labeled as the enemy of Allah by a speaker," he said.
However, Mahfuz stated that the decision to contest in Kedah or any other state assembly seat in the upcoming election ultimately lies with Saifuddin and PH.