ALOR SETAR - Kedah Menteri Besar's office has refuted claims circulating on social media that Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is linked to a viral photo of a bungalow in Sik.
In an official statement, the office clarified that the photo, sourced from Google Maps, was being used to falsely connect it to the Kedah Menteri Besar and imply his ownership of the bungalow.
The statement dismissed the viral photos as baseless slander spread by individuals with malicious intent on social media.
These slanderous allegations, according to the statement, are a concerted effort by certain parties ahead of the upcoming state elections to mislead the public into believing that the Menteri Besar has acquired significant wealth and built the said house using state funds.
"It is not his house. Not a single cent from the Kedah Menteri Besar has been utilised for the construction of that residence," the statement said.
The Kedah Menteri Besar's office revealed that the property in question belongs to another individual who, through years of hard work, had managed to build it.
"The homeowner earned their own money through challenging work as a commercial diver, often having to leave their wife and children behind for three to four months at a time, working in the depths of the ocean.
"On several occasions, the wife had to endure the challenges of childbirth while the husband was away. The family has made numerous sacrifices," the statement added.
The office of the Kedah Menteri Besar also expressed sadness over the jealousy and spite displayed by those who would go as far as falsely accusing others, even when they should be celebrating the homeowners' well-deserved new home.
"What have they done to deserve this? They diligently saved money for decades, risking their lives in hazardous conditions, to provide a semblance of happiness for their family. Is that something to be condemned?" the statement questioned.
The statement affirmed that the homeowner is not involved in politics or elections and should not be subjected to baseless accusations.
It questioned why the homeowners became targets of slanderous statements, insinuating illicit sources of income when the truth is that their success was a result of hard work and determination.
"Is it a crime for the homeowner to be related to Sanusi? Is it because the owner of the house is the Menteri Besar's brother, that they are denied the right to build a spacious home despite their financial capability?," the statement further read.
The office stressed that it is easy for parties to create false perceptions that lack any basis in reality.
"Some of you have never even been near the home or know its location. The residents of Sik know that it belongs to Budin, not Sanusi," the statement clarified.
"Sanusi acknowledged his brother's intelligence, hard work, discipline, and ability to uplift living standards.
"He expressed pride in his brother's prudent management of funds and investment in assets, highlighting the sacrifices and determination exhibited.
"The Kedah Menteri Besar himself commended his brother's efforts to secure happiness for his family," the statement said.