ALOR SETAR, July 30 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s incompetence in managing the Kedah government was the reason for the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Bukit Enggang, Sik.

He said that the matter not only affects the state government but also the country’s image since the issue of human trafficking is also involved.

“The most serious thing is about the competence of an individual who holds the title of menteri besar, because he manages the state and has a great responsibility, all government instruments, agencies and regulators are under him,” he said at a press conference here today.

Saifuddin Nasution said that, as an individual who leads the state government, Muhammad Sanusi is definitely given briefings from time to time, on matters related to any activities involving agencies under the state government, either during the executive council (exco) meeting or during the state assembly sitting.

He said that Muhammad Sanusi also failed to explain to the people various issues related to the alleged theft.

“Keeping mum, without providing answers to matters raised, shows how incompetent he is in dealing with the problems which are occurring in Kedah.

“Don’t view this issue lightly, as if this is an isolated incident or an issue played out during the elections. This issue involves national security,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also the Home Minister, gave his assurance that the investigation into the REE theft case will not stop, regardless of the outcome of the state polls on August 12.

“I am confident that investigation into this case, by government or state agencies, will continue, because within these 12 days, it is not possible that a full investigation can be carried out.

“This is not an election issue, but this is an issue of incompetence and the poor governance of the menteri besar in managing the state government,” he said. — Bernama