ALOR STAR: A Kedah Umno leader has challenged Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to take legal action over allegations of financial mismanagement of state-owned Kedah Agro Holdings Bhd.
Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin said Sanusi, who initially hinted at taking legal action against the person who made the claim, now appears to be avoiding the issue and staying silent.
Shaiful described Sanusi's conduct as "embarrassing" and "unfit" for a state leader.
"Sanusi always speaks as if he is the number one (leader) as if he is the bravest, he is the best, he's the greatest in everything.
"However, this is just empty talk since there is no (follow-up) action.
"Many are eagerly waiting for Sanusi to fulfill his promise to bring those who exposed the dark side of Kedah Agro, which he claims as slander, to court.
"Sanusi himself proudly declared 'See you in court!' (to the individual). However, he now seems reluctant to face the individual, even on a badminton court," he said in a statement today.
Recently, a screenshot of a supposed exchange between Sanusi and a Facebook user Zuraini Ab Ghani, over Kedah Agro salary arrears and corporate mismanagement, went viral on social media.
In response, Sanusi threatened legal action against Zuraini. However, no action has been taken.
When contacted today, Zuraini said she had yet to receive any Letter of Demand from Sanusi.
On March 13, it was reported that a notice had been submitted to Kedah Agro to clear salary arrears of up to nine months.
It was alleged that Kedah Agro, a subsidiary of Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated, had not paid its employees' salaries since last September, a violation of Section 19 of the Employment Act.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said Kedah Agro would pay around RM560,000 before Hari Raya Aidilfitri after the decision was made at the company's recent board of directors meeting.
In response, Sanusi likened Kedah Agro to "leeches" for being unable to generate income.
Sanusi said the Auditor-General already cautioned Kedah Agro in 2016 over staff salaries. At the time, the previous Barisan Nasional-led state government allowed MBI to cover part of the salaries.
