Madani Open House: Killing two birds with one stone, says Puad Zarkashi

SHAH ALAM - Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi claims Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is feeling intimidated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announcement to hold the Malaysia Madani Open House events in six states.

He said that although there are political and campaigning elements in the open house, he likened it to killing two birds with one stone.

The open house event is appropriate as it involves the grassroots and gives people residing in states outside the federal capital an opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the celebration organised by the government, Puad added.

"He said it’s a campaign. The purpose of an open house is to expand on our public relations with all parties, including neighbours, close acquaintances, and families. Everyone can attend.

"Sanusi could join in too; he could stand next to Anwar from morning until nightfall and shake hands with all the visitors. The more, the merrier," he explained.

Yesterday, Sanusi was reported as saying that the Malaysia Madani Open House event was a state election campaign and claimed it was not appropriate to hold as the programme involved a high cost, despite the unity government stating they wanted to save on expenditures.

He went on to say that the Eid open house should be held at one location, either in Seri Perdana or around Putrajaya, as done previously.

Puad added that it was not wrong to organise open houses in other states for the purpose of developing a better relationship with the public.

He also denied that the open house was a waste.

"If he wanted to save, Sanusi shouldn't hold another open house in the state. There's a possibility that the same people will attend. That is wasteful.

"Sanusi should focus on why the open house was held, the happiness and merriment that come with it. We want the people to be happy, and that is why we have additional holidays and four-day free tolls," he said.