KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged voters at the upcoming state elections to vote for leaders who had the public’s interests at heart, not merely a “comedian” with many followers.
He said choosing leaders with good calibre who are serious about Kedahans’ welfare is more important than picking someone with many followers — alluding to caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
“When looking to form a strong government you would want a leader that is serious and cares about the people’s welfare and their well-being, not just someone who is funny and has a lot of followers.
“If a political comedian with no aura but is somehow popular, then we leave it in the wise hands of the Kedah voters,” Zahid was quoted saying in Utusan Malaysia.
Zahid also said the authorities should take the appropriate action against Sanusi if found guilty due to his recent controversial racial remarks that touched on the race, religion and royalty or “3R” issue.
He said an apology alone is not enough as the Inspector-General of Police had repeatedly reminded politicians not to play up those issues.
Sanusi was among the politicians currently being investigated for stoking racial flames with their remarks ahead of the six state elections next month.
Earlier today, Sanusi was forced to apologise to Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah after allegedly disputing the Ruler’s prerogative to appoint the outgoing Selangor menteri besar Datuk Amirudin Shari.
In a recent programme in Selangor, Sanusi was alleged to have criticised the Sultan of Selangor and disputed his prerogative in appointing Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as the state’s menteri besar.
Sanusi’s apology only came after Selangor Council of the Royal Court member Datuk Emran Abdul Kadir demanded Sanusi issue a public apology and lodged a police report against the PAS leader.
