SIK: "It's pointless to have a popular leader if he fails to bring about positive changes for the people he represents and the state as a whole," said Datuk Muhamad Khizri Abu Kassim.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Jeneri state seat said this when asked to comment on the popularity of his opponent in the state polls, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor of Perikatan Nasional, who is also caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar.
"His (Muhammad Sanusi) popularity is something that has been planned and is a result of young people's obsession with social media. The truth is that the popularity does not bring any benefit to the people in Sik, especially in Jeneri.
"Can he show us what he has done for Sik during his three and a half years as Menteri Besar? In terms of education, the Sik district is among the lowest in Malaysia," he said when met at his office recently.
According to him, as a leader, Muhammad Sanusi should prioritise the people's best interests over his own personal agenda.
Muhamad Khizri also questioned Muhammad Sanusi's efforts in helping youths, farmers, fishermen and rubber smallholders in Kedah which was the second poorest state in terms of gross domestic product in the country.
"It doesn't matter if a leader isn't very popular, as long as he fulfils his promises and helps the people and the state," said the Sik UMNO Division chief.
He also expressed confidence that voters in Kedah would be able to see for themselves the positive results of the efforts made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Unity Government to safeguard the welfare of the people.
Muhamad Khizri also believes that the people's support has started to shift, and it is not impossible for the BN-Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition to spring a surprise outcome in Kedah on Aug 12.
The Jeneri seat will see a straight fight between Muhamad Khizri and Muhammad Sanusi.
In the 14th General Election, Muhammad Sanusi won the seat with a majority of 2,455 votes after garnering 10,626 votes, defeating BN candidate Mahadzir Abdul Hamid and Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan of PH.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 01 2023

The Jeneri seat will see a straight fight between BN candidate Datuk Muhamad Khizri Abu Kassim and PN candidate who is also caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md. - BERNAMA

Lebanese search for dead in devastated villages as Israel withdraws
Hezbollah says Israel was still occupying Lebanese territory and put the onus on the Lebanese state to get Israeli forces out.

China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.

Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.

Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.

Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.

UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.

Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.

More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.

Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.

Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream [COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.

Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.

Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.

US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.

Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.

Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.

China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.

Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.

Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.