ALOR SETAR - Perikatan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has denied that his rudeness is what caused PN to lose in the Pelangai by-election.
He described PN’s loss in BN’s stronghold as a normal matter, as he felt PN managed to succeed in capturing some Felda areas.
Sanusi said BN successfully remained in power in Pelangai, but it was not a ‘great’ feat as it was the party’s traditional seat.
"Am I rude? I only spoke the truth with a clear and loud voice. The rude ones are the dishonest ones, their words are faster than their brains, that’s being rude.
"If there was a basis, proof, accurate analysis as well as the right justifications, that isn’t rude.
Accusing me of being rude when I have proof, I should not be labelled as rude for speaking the truth. The world has been turned upside down, the truth is labelled as rude, those who lie are not rude,” he said in a press conference after chairing the Exco meeting at Wisma Darul Aman on Wednesday.
The Kedah Menteri Besar was commenting on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy information chief Razeef Rakimin statement where claimed Sanusi’s rudeness was among the reason Pelangai voters rejected PN.
Razeef was reported as saying that early campaign feedback from Pelangai demonstrated that voters were not fond of Sanusi’s arrogant and rude statements, besides claiming that PN would continue to be in trouble, if they used the Jeneri state assemblyman as an icon.
Sanusi said PN did not have enough support to win in the by-election and that the matter was not a weakness.
"Actually among the reasons for PN’s loss was that we fought in BN territory, the area is well-known as a BN stronghold. It wasn’t PN’s loss, it was just returning to the previous decision.
"If PN fought in a PN stronghold and BN won, we can say BN was great in taking our area. It’s their stronghold and we fought them and lost, that’s normal,” he said.
He dismissed claims that the PN wave that hit the nation during the 15th general election (GE15) was fading causing voters to reject the coalition.
"Those are words to soothe their own hearts,” he explained.
Sanusi rejected the perception of PN needing a new ‘warlord’ following the influence of the party’s main leader was seen to be deteriorating leading to the coalition suffering a loss in Pelangai, possibly influenced by the integrity of its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who was linked to a court case.
"The issue was not raised. Muhyiddin was not found guilty, if the court found him guilty and imprisoned him followed by pardoning him then we have compromised integrity.
"If he was never imprisoned, nothing was compromised. It’s different than the ongoing case of 47 charges suddenly being discharged not amounting to an acquittal, that’s compromised integrity,” he said.
Sanusi described Felda was no longer BN’s fixed deposit as support for PN in the area has increased.
"Most areas in Felda now have second and third generations, they are more open. Intimidation no longer works, they’re free to make their own political decisions based on their understanding, knowledge and current developments.
"Everyone will run from BN. They can make their decisions on their own understanding. So, Felda is no longer a fixed deposit for BN’s seat,” he explained.
He said that was the reason why in the Kedah state elections, Felda areas were won by PN.
"The wave will move towards Pahang, Perak and Johor. Felda settlers are mostly Malays and they realise the importance of Malay politics and want Malays to be preserved and strong , and to be the core of the nation’s politics,” he explained.