ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno has urged the federal government to remove Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor from his position as the State Development Action Council co-chairman to ensure smoother progress of federal government projects in the state.
Its information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said that the federal government should replace the Menteri Besar with Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid as the council's co-chairman.
He said that Sanusi's current performance has led to conflicts with the federal government, resulting in delays and politicking of federal government projects in Kedah.
"Sanusi has been MB for almost four years and has been advocating 'The Greater Kedah' ambition, aiming to transform Kedah into an international city by 2035.
"However, his ongoing disputes with the federal government may hinder progress. Federal government projects have been delayed and politicised under his leadership, evident in the delay of five water treatment plant (WTP) projects, including the Bukit Selambau WTP.
"The root cause of this issue lies in the misalignment between the state and federal government, leading to more conflicts than solutions. Ultimately, it is the people who suffer," he said in a statement today.
For record, Sanusi and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail are the co-chairs of the council.
Hence, Shaiful proposed appointing a leader aligned with federal goals into the council to streamline project development.
"Honestly, Mahdzir Khalid is the most suitable candidate for this position. This appointment would ensure a harmonious relationship between the state and federal governments.
"When there's good collaboration between the state and federal governments, projects such as the Health Ministry's Ayer Langat quarters development project and the construction of the new court in Sik will proceed smoothly," he added.
He said that the concept of 'check and balance' would be also be more transparent, as both parties could openly criticise and advise without fear.
"Furthermore, only Umno has strong representation at grassroots level in the Federal Village Development and Security Committee which will help to smoothen the Council's duty in resolving the people's problems.
"The unity government and Saifuddin Nasution should make good used of Umno's experience as the opposition in Kedah.The people want to see good cooperation between the federal and state governments.
"The time is running out, the unity among the parties forming the unity government in Kedah should be reflected in this appointment," he added.