ALOR STAR: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has expressed disappointment with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's alleged reluctance to call for a Development Action Council meeting.
Sanusi claimed that Saifuddin, who is also the state Development Action Council co-chairman, has not called for a meeting to discuss federal government infrastructure projects in Kedah with the state government since the council was established.
"I don't like it. The meeting is aimed at coordinating duties between state and federal government agencies here in Kedah. Each party has its responsibilities for ongoing projects.
"The meeting would discuss functions relating to the state government, particularly on land matters, and the function of the federal government concerning allocations. All of this needs to be streamlined.
"If this meeting is not held, it's been over a year. How are we ever going to discuss anything? Whenever he's here, he'll never inform me," he said during a press conference after the State Legislative Assembly session at Wisma Negeri here today.
Commenting further, Sanusi said that he had brought up his concerns to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the recent meeting with Menteri Besars and Chief Ministers.
He suggested in the meeting that if Saifuddin was occupied with ministry matters, he should have delegated another cabinet minister to attend the meetings.
"I believe this matter cannot be prolonged in this manner. I made it clear during the meeting that if the minister is busy, someone else can represent him (Saifuddin).
"Because the power to convene meetings lies with him, not me. I may be the co-chairman, but I cannot call for meetings.
"Perhaps they could appoint the deputy prime minister (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) to convene the meetings instead," he added.
Yesterday, it was reported that the federal government will conduct a thorough analysis of the factors causing delays in the construction of water treatment plants (WTP) in Kedah before considering additional funding, as suggested by the state government.
Saifuddin said he intends to discuss the matter in a meeting with the state's Prime Minister's Department's Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) director before making any decisions.
