KXP: Sanusi claims PM refuses to listen to state govt's explanation

ALOR SETAR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should listen to the explanation on Kulim International Airport (KXP) by the state government instead of going through a third party.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor claimed that Anwar's refusal to meet up and discuss the KXP issue has resulted in him obtaining inaccurate information.

It is not impossible that Anwar could most likely receive information on KXP from certain parties that have been opposing the project.

"The Prime Minister's real problem is that he refused to listen to the explanation of the project development from the state government and KXP Airportcity, which has been working on the project development for the past nine years.

"But he made statements and comments as if he knew everything about the project," he wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

On Friday, Anwar denied claims that the federal government is oppressing certain states in allocation or development distribution, including KXP construction in Kedah.

Anwar said that the proposal to build an airport requires thorough study prior to execution because it involves several important aspects, especially national security, in addition to certain procedures and regulations.

Sanusi, on the other hand, insisted that the matters that contributed to the Prime Minister's reason to prevent KXP's approval had already been dealt with earlier.

"The matter was dealt with through a series of engagement sessions and consultations of the KXP Airportcity (state government fully owned company) technical committee as Kedah Aerotropolis developer with all related departments and agencies over the past nine years.

"The report had also been prepared and presented several times by consultants appointed by KXP Airport City and the Economic Planning Unit (in the Prime Minister's Department) before," he explained.

Sanusi said the Kedah Aerotropolis development technical committee is led by an experienced individual who led the construction of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in the past, Tan Sri Ir Dr Jamilus Husin.

"Dr Jamilus really understands the project's ins and outs, requirements, and building, as well as operating methods.

"He is also one of KXP Airportcity board members and is nicknamed 'The Airport Man' in the world of airport development," he said.

Sanusi revealed that there is already another party that will finance the project but did not disclose the company.

"In regards to financing, corporate figures, as mentioned by the Prime Minister, supposedly do not intend to finance the project and were actually not involved as developers after failing to respond to a letter submitted by the Kedah Aerotropolis finance and tender committee.

"It is just one of tens of companies that submitted a proposal in the implemented request for proposal (RFP).

"Although the company requested to be involved through the RFP method and was present in the screening process, it failed to respond within the stipulated period after Anwar's hint in the 2023 Budget tabling. Now he has become history," Sanusi added.