GOMBAK: Selangor caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has clapped back at his Kedah counterpart Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, saying that he can teach the latter a thing or two on how to run his state successfully.
Amirudin hit back at Muhammad Sanusi for claiming that Selangor’s economic growth was due to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur and not Pakatan Harapan’s policies.
In response, Amirudin said Kedah is also next to Penang, another economic powerhouse.
“The Kedah Mentri Besar didn’t look in the mirror. Penang is just next door. Kuala Lumpur was also previously a part of Selangor,” he told reporters after attending the Madani Afiat programme launch here yesterday.
Selangor and Penang are under Pakatan rule, while Kedah is governed by Perikatan Nasional.
All three are heading to state elections on Aug 12.
Amirudin said Penang is growing and attracting big investments besides also being one of the biggest contributors to the national economy.
“Kedah, however, is lagging behind. He (Muhammad Sanusi) should question himself first before looking at other places,” he added.
“Don’t worry, I am going to Kedah next week and will explain to him how to make Kedah like Selangor.”
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Pakatan chairman, said the race for the Malay-majority seats in northern Selangor is still wide open.“Those seats are not traditionally won by any party. Prior to the general election in 2018, Barisan Nasional won those seats but we (Pakatan) have since made inroads there.
“Only recently has Perikatan had some advantage there. The race is still wide open for all parties,” he said, adding that he is confident that the Pakatan-led administration’s track record as well as cooperation with Barisan could help win the seats.
“Perikatan’s targeting of only those seats shows they are not confident of taking over Selangor as a whole and are focusing their efforts on being a strong Opposition.
“We are not taking anything lightly and will work hard up until election day,” he said.
Amirudin also expressed his intention to defend his Sungai Tua state seat but stressed that the final decision will be up to Pakatan’s top leadership.
The state elections in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan will be held on Aug 12, with early polling on Aug 8. Nomination day is July 29.
