ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid today said Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Mohd Nor is 'koyak' after labelling government agencies unity government lackeys, following probes into the Kedah Football Association (KFA).
Koyak carries the literal meaning of torn in Bahasa Melayu, but also refers to someone being defensive in triggering situations.
Mahdzir said Sanusi shouldn't have reacted emotionally, adding that extending cooperation would be more appropriate, regardless of the government agency involved or the ruling party.
"When investigated, the menteri besar should have said, 'let's hand it over to the enforcement authorities for investigation'.
"Even the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) would use those words... hand it over to the authorities to take action.
"If there's a case, deal with it. If not, that's fine. But the way he insulted and called them 'barua' (lackeys), I think it's unfair to public servants," he said during a press conference at Bangunan Tunku here today.
Mahdzir also expressed sympathy for journalists who were also painted as unity government lackeys by Sanusi.
On Jan 5, the MACC remanded KFA chief executive officer Zulkifli Che Haron and three individuals, including two consultants for investigation over allegedly soliciting and accepting bribery amounting to RM6 million.
The alleged corrupt funds were believed to be a reward for helping a company owner secure construction project tenders for a racecourse and projects to manage, operate, and maintain five water retention facilities in Kedah.
In response, Sanusi lashed out by saying law enforcement agencies should not to be used as a tool in running down those who belonged to different political divide from the unity government. (hyperlink:
Meanwhile, commenting on Sanusi's claims that the unity government will be toppled by Perikatan Nasional, Mahdzir suggested that Sanusi wait until the next general election.
"It's never ending on social media regarding a federal government change; whether such stories are factual or not is another matter but this is not beneficial for the people.
"For now, we (unity government) are in power and the PN is opposition; until the next election, if PN wins, then they can be government," he added.