Sanusi vs Tiong: What's really happening?

SHAH ALAM - The relationship between Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing and Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been strained recently due to a series of verbal altercations.

The conflict began when Sanusi made a derogatory remark about Tiong, referring to him as a 'pot-bellied deity' during a Kedah state assembly meeting on Dec 1, 2023.

In response, Tiong criticised Sanusi's choice of words and warned him about the potential impact on tourism in Kedah, advising him to 'watch his words' to avoid further damage to the state's tourism industry.

The ongoing feud between the two leaders led to a war of words, with Tiong accusing Sanusi of having 'lost his mind' two days after the derogatory remark was made.

In addition to the 'pot-bellied deity' jibe, Tiong also accused Sanusi of requesting additional rice during a meeting, which further fuelled the conflict between two prominent leaders.

However, the verbal argument took place back in September this year. Here's the timeline of what's happening between the two politicians:

1. On Sept 19, Tiong made a statement in the Dewan Rakyat claiming that several government representatives had allegedly harassed tourists on dress codes and alcohol usage in Langkawi.
2. On Sept 25, Tiong rapped Sanusi for repeatedly issuing 'arrogant' statements that he deemed could tarnish Kedah's tourism industry.
3. During Kedah state assembly meeting on Dec 1, Sanusi made a derogatory remark about Tiong, referring to him as a 'pot-bellied deity'
4. Tiong then accused Sanusi of having 'lost his mind' two days after the derogatory remark was made.
5. In addition to the ‘pot-bellied deity’ jibe, Tiong also accused Sanusi of requesting additional rice during a meeting, which further fueled the conflict between the two leaders
6. On Dec 4, Tiong advised Sanusi to 'watch his words' to avoid Kedah losing tourists and described Sanusi's recent insults against him as a 'political tactic'.

Political analysts' perspectives

Political experts have weighed in on the matter, noting that such behaviour was not uncommon in the current political landscape.

Political analyst James Chin said that both Tiong and Sanusi were known for their colourful and outspoken nature, which was often reflected in their actions and statements.

He emphasised that such behaviour was what the public had come to expect from these politicians, given their larger-than-life personas.

"Both of them (Tiong and Sanusi) have colourful characters. They both have big reputations and very outspoken, doing things politicians would normally don't do," he said.

Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs Senior Fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun pointed out political attacks and confrontations were likely to be instantly broadcast and it was up for the voters to decide.

"Nowadays in the heat of political attacks, politicians may throw all sorts of brickbats at one another.

"As social media is pervasive nowadays, such happenings are likely to be instantaneously broadcast," he said.

He noted that politicians may resort to various tactics in the heat of political battles, and it ultimately falls on the voters to determine the acceptability of such behaviour.

"So, it is up to their respective voters to decide as to the propriety of their statements," he added.