Govt urged to explain Lima Langkawi ban on Kedah MB

Arau MP Shahidan Kassim today urged Putrajaya to explain the claim by Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Mohd Nor that he had been banned from attending government events including the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2023.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he raised Meeting Rule 18(1), citing Article 10 of the Federal Constitution to speaker Johari Abdul.

Shahidan said it was a matter of public interest and involved the daily affairs of the state leader. 

He said Sanusi had worked to hold events outside of Kedah, including booking a hall at the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, all of which had been cancelled. 

"This needs to be expedited because it involves an individual appointed as menteri besar by the Kedah ruler," he said. 

"He cannot even attend federal events in his own state." 

Sanusi had said in a Facebook post that this was "the latest decision" by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet. 

"The latest decision by PMX – banning the Kedah MB from any government event including Lima in Langkawi," he said, referring to Anwar's initials as the 10th prime minister. 

Johari meanwhile told Shahidan to submit a proposal on the matter to his office and to raise it during the Dewan Rakyat session.

He also asked if Shahidan had concrete proof of his claim. 

"It was only reported by the press," he added. 

However, Shahidan said he had sent 14 proposals to Johari's office, none of which were accepted.