The PAS Election Committee Chairman, Dato' Seri Mohd Sanusi, stated that the National Alliance (Perikatan Nasional) coalition candidate has been decided. Once announced, the coalition will actively begin its election campaign.
Sanusi, while announcing this news to the media during the Hari Raya open house held at his official residence in Alor Setar on Sunday, humorously said: “A candidate has been chosen, but if necessary, I can run myself.”
When asked if the coalition is leaning towards campaigning through social media platforms, Sanusi said this is a more effective new campaign method since the traditional way of holding political talks involves complex preparations. Campaigning on social media is more convenient and can spread the message more broadly.
He added that nomination day falls on April 12, and Perikatan Nasional will announce the candidate on April 8.
Sanusi's Open House Second Wife's Appearance Draws Attention
Sanusi's second wife, Tsai Ying Tan Sobri, who was married last year, also attended the Hari Raya open house event, drawing considerable attention.
She accompanied Sanusi and his first wife, Dupan Zulaikha Marelani, at the event, interacting warmly with the public and distributing green packets to the attending children.
The Hari Raya open house held at Sanusi's official residence at Mandalan was scheduled for the first time from evening to night, drawing over 70,000 attendees to celebrate the occasion, enhanced with decorative lighting at the residence.
Previously, the open house event at the official residence was scheduled from morning to afternoon, but this year was held from 5 PM to 11 PM for the first time, with the residence decorated with lights. When the lights are turned on during the night, they reflect different colors, adorning the night sky, making the scenery more glamorous and attracting people to take photos.
Sanusi informed the media that the first-time evening-to-night open house and the decorative lights at the residence aimed to attract more participants.
He mentioned that the light decorations were an idea from his officials, aligning with the promotion of 2025 Kedah Tourism Year by the Kedah State Tourism Bureau to attract visitors.
The event was also attended by the Chairman of Kedah Chinese Affairs Committee, Wong Ka Chin, other state executive councilors, Alor Setar City Councilors Dato' Chong Mun Chai and Choi Chong Yeong, Kota Darul Aman Constituency Coordinator Wong Siew Wai, and Chinese community leaders, including Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall President Dato' Chong Lai Hock, and its committee members.
Kedah State Chief Minister Dato' Seri Mohd Sanusi pointed out that the state government believes the state's water supply issues will be comprehensively resolved once the upgrades to five water treatment plants are completed next year.
He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020 slowed the upgrading process, resulting in the extension of the water supply problem in Kedah until now.
“Every year during Hari Raya, the water supply issue is highlighted. This year the supply is sufficient. Some say we promised in 2020 to resolve the issue by 2023; however, who could have predicted that we would be confined for two years due to the pandemic?”
“No one, including myself, anticipated the implementation of a two-year movement control order, which delayed the completion timeline of all water treatment plant projects by two years. However, four treatment plants are expected to be completed by 2025 and 2026.
He hopes that those criticizing the state government will refrain from making further criticisms at that time.
The five water treatment plant upgrade projects are at Perupok, New Junen, Sungai Limau, Bukit Senamau, and Lubok Buntar treatment plants.
