Sanusi claims Anwar brought in Indonesian businessman for REE business

PEDU - Caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claims that before the 15th General Election (GE15), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had brought in an Indonesian businessman for the purpose of applying to mine in a rare earth elements (REE) area in the state.

Sanusi said the businessman Anwar brought in made the application before the state government was dissolved.

"This is big news; the Prime Minister brought in a prominent entrepreneur from Indonesia to apply for a site to mine in REE in Kedah," he said during his speech at the Pedu State Legislative Assembly 'Perdana Gelombang Perikatan Nasional' ceramah programme, last night.

He claimed that a few weeks before GE15, someone had contacted him to inform that the entrepreneur wanted to offer hundreds of sacrificial cattle, but he declined the offer as the election was near.

"I refused because it was close to the election, and I was afraid that the cattle might be seen as a bribe.

"I didn't accept those sacrificial cattle; you can give them to anyone else since you are so wealthy. No wonder Pudin (Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) attacked me so fiercely... now I know," he said.

The Perikatan Nasional election director asserted that the wealth of minerals in Kedah attracted the attention of many parties, but it would not be a problem for the state government if the matter was managed according to the law.

"Let's work according to the law, let's do it properly. Let's not let our minerals get damaged... our money gone. Anyone in this world who has the skills and expertise to apply for the REE area, please do so, and we will approve it under the condition that the proceeds are returned to the people of Kedah," he said.

He added that various scandals thrown at him were aimed at confusing the minds of the people.

"The story is designed to make people hate Sanusi, hate PN, and want to show weaknesses in governance. Pudin doesn't understand governance," he said.