PMO ready to brief Kedah MB to avoid ‘misinformed’ statements, says senior aide

PMO ready to brief Kedah MB to avoid ‘misinformed’ statements, says senior aide

PETALING JAYA:The Prime Minister’s Office is ready to provide briefings, whether basic or in-depth, to Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, to help him avoid making “lopsided, incoherent and misguided” comments, particularly when it comes to basic facts about national financial management.

Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said such openness is essential to prevent continued public misunderstandings on the government’s initiatives.

“The Prime Minister’s Office remains open if the Kedah Menteri Besar requires briefings, whether brief or detailed, so that he no longer remains lopsided, incoherent and misguided in his commentary, especially when it involves fundamental facts about the country’s financial management,” he said during a live telecast on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page on Thursday (July 24).

He said that despite constant ridicule and personal attacks from Opposition representatives, including the Opposition leader, Anwar has remained composed and undeterred in carrying out his responsibilities.

“Although certain individuals, including the Opposition leader, have hurled insults and mockery almost daily on social media in an attempt to discredit the efforts of the Madani government, the Prime Minister has not once wavered or taken it to heart,” he said.

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Tunku Nashrul reiterated the Prime Minister’s apology, conveyed on Wednesday (July 23), for the delay in fulfilling some of the promises made before taking office.

He also defended the recent move to lower RON95 petrol prices from RM2.05 to RM1.99 and the one-off RM100 cash aid to all adults in Malaysia.

“While Sanusi and several other opposition leaders may scoff at the reduction or the cash assistance, the fact remains that this is the first time in our history that every citizen, regardless of social status, receives something from the government in conjunction with the National Month.”

He also took a jab at Sanusi, saying: “I would like to take a moment to help Sanusi understand the difference between ‘assistance’ and ‘budget’, a basic administrative concept that perhaps continues to elude him.”

Tunku Nashrul clarified that the recent initiatives announced are not part of Budget 2026, which will only take effect next year.

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“These initiatives were announced based on current fiscal capabilities and are in addition to what was already outlined in Budget 2025,” he said.

He added that the measures are aimed at addressing immediate cost-of-living challenges and are separate from long-term plans that will be included in Budget 2026, to be tabled this October.

“If not for constant disruptions by ‘grasshoppers by the sea’ such as Sanusi and his peers, God willing, the Madani government would be able to share even more prosperity with the people.”

Tunku Nashrul also cited recent revelations by investigative journalists Bradley Hope and Tom Wright, who reported that Malaysia had lost up to US$18bil due to the 1MDB scandal, a legacy inherited by the current government.

“From the first day he took office at the end of 2022, the Prime Minister has worked tirelessly to restore the country’s financial health for the sake of the people’s wellbeing.

“Only once the financial position began to stabilise was the government able to gradually provide assistance to ease the people’s burden in this era of global economic uncertainty,” he said.

He concluded with a note of gratitude: “The Prime Minister wishes to thank all Malaysians for their support and patience as the government continues its efforts to rebuild the nation.”