Sanusi apologises, clarifies absence from ceramah

ALOR SETAR - Caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has apologised for his absence from two consecutive political ceramahs.

He attributes his absence to his tight schedule of attending several meetings in the capital, which resulted in some of the ceramah programmes scheduled around Kedah being cancelled.

Sanusi said that this has nothing to do with speculation that he has been asked to avoid attending the ceramahs by the Pas leadership to avoid being "trapped" as he frequently speaks vociferously.

"I need to attend the central-level Pas meetings as well as some other meetings in Kuala Lumpur.

"I travelled by car and arrived back late, hence why I was unable to attend these programmes. "It's not possible; I need to rest," he stated when contacted on Monday.

Sanusi also denied certain parties' claims that he had decreased his campaign activities due to threats and orders to remain silent until polling day.

"All of the above allegations are false," he said.

Before concluding the Ceramah Mega Perikatan Nasional (PN) with MB Kedah at Taman Ria on Sunday, Pas Youth Council deputy chairman Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden revealed that Sanusi had been advised not to attend the campaign talks to ensure his safety.

The Alor Setar MP said Sanusi was urged not to appear on stage due to security concerns in order to avoid 'traps' set up by his political opponents.

Sanusi indicated that the security issues in question were related to the party's security efforts to avert mishaps.

"The safest thing to do is not drive quickly to arrive at the location.

"Pas Kedah took precautionary precautions to limit my activities so that I did not have to rush to get to my destinations. On the road, anything may happen.

"However, there are also orders and other security measures that must be kept confidential," Sanusi said.

Sanusi was absent from the Sembang Santai programme on Saturday with Perikatan Nasional (PN) chiefs at Padang Awam Taman Serai Wangi, Padang Serai, before being allegedly taken by police.

However, the police rejected rumours that Sanusi had been arrested or that a recording of the conversation had been requested.

"I apologise for being unable to attend the programme. We will meet again if God wills. To all of our party friends: keep up the good effort in order to attract more PN voters.

"Don't forget to pray to Allah SWT. If God wills, we will takbeer and celebrate our triumph on Aug 12," said Sanusi.