Sanusi to write congratulatory letter if Nurul wins, despite advice not to meddle
ALOR STAR: Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said he would write a congratulatory letter to former Permatang Pauh MP, Nurul Izzah Anwar, if she wins the PKR deputy president post in the upcoming party election.
"I hope Nurul Izzah wins, because she doesn't criticise me (during the campaign). If she wins, I'll write a 'letter to dinda (an affectionate term in Malay)'," he said jokingly, during a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here today.
Nurul Izzah, the eldest daughter of Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is in a straight fight against incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for the party's number two position in the election, set to take place on 23 May.
Sanusi said that he was generally reluctant to comment on the PKR polls, in deference to the advice of Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who had urged party members not to interfere in the internal affairs of other political parties.
However, the Perikatan Nasional election director said it was difficult to avoid being drawn into political debates by rivals.
"What can I do? I'm popular—I can't run away from that. If you want to gain popularity, you attack Sanusi.
"I've become a punching bag for those chasing instant fame, whether it's netizens or individuals hiding behind fake social media accounts. But they must be ready to face my response," he said.
During a recent campaign rally in Kedah, candidates for the PKR central leadership said that Sanusi would prefer Nurul Izzah to win the deputy presidency, suggesting it would make it easier for him to attack the party.
In response, Sanusi said: "I hope the PKR election proceeds smoothly. Whoever wins should be the one who is better for the country. If that's Nurul Izzah, then it should be her; if Rafizi is the better leader, then it will be him. I really can't comment on another party's internal affairs."
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