PETALING JAYA: The Kedah Mentri’s Besar Office has denied that Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor owned a bungalow that went viral on social media.
His office said the viral photo attempted to portray as if the bungalow belonged to the Kedah Mentri Besar.
It clarified that the bungalow belongs to Muhammad Sanusi's brother, who had painstakingly built it through his hard work.
"The house does not belong to him. Not one sen of the Kedah Mentri Besar's money was used to build the bungalow," it said in a statement on Tuesday (July 11).
It explained that the bungalow belonged to someone who had built it after working hard for decades.
"During this time, the bungalow owner saved money by working as a diver until he had to leave his wife and children for three or four months before returning home.
"When the wife was fighting for her life while giving birth to their child, the husband was 'fighting with sharks' at the bottom of the sea.
"They are husband and wife, and their children have made many sacrifices throughout this time," it said.
According to the statement, the snapshot, which included a Google Maps image, attempted to link the Mentri Besar of Kedah to the bungalow as if it belonged to him.
The statement added that the photo being circulated on social media is slander.
"These slanderers are working hard before the state elections to persuade the public that the Kedah Mentri Besar is wealthy enough to build a bungalow.
"The Mentri Besar is very sad that there are those who are envious and upset to the extent of spreading slander.
"Is it wrong to collect money after decades of work, risking your life in such a dangerous situation to give a little joy to family members?" it said.
It added that the owner of the bungalow is not a politician and has nothing to do with politics or the state elections.
The statement questioned the unfair treatment based on the owner's ties to Muhammad Sanusi, asking whether having a brother who serves as the Kedah Mentri Besar should deprive someone of their right to build a large house using their resources.
"Some of you have never been there before and have no idea where the home is. Most Sik people know that the house belongs to Budin, not Sanusi.
"As a younger brother, Muhammad Sanusi knows his brother is hardworking and disciplined, and even has a strong desire to improve living conditions," it said.
It said the brother of the Kedah Mentri Besar is also wise in money management and property acquisition.
"The Kedah Mentri Besar admitted that he was impressed with his brother's sacrifice and willingness to find family happiness.
“Stop this kind of slander because it only brings sin," it added.
