ALOR SETAR – The state executive council line-up, which will be appointed this week, will see a mix of new and old faces, said newly minted Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
He also promised that his administration will continue to pursue the Kedah Development Plan 2035, which was mooted several years ago, reported Bernama.
He said the names of the candidates will be decided by leaders of the component parties in Perikatan Nasional (PN) who will meet this afternoon to discuss the matter.
“We will hold a meeting this afternoon and I will look at the names proposed by them before choosing those who can help to implement and translate the Kedah Development Plan 2035.
“It will be a difficult task (to select the candidates) as all our elected representatives have the qualifications… As for the number, I’ll maintain it at 11, including myself, and the portfolio will be adjusted according to current needs,” he said at a press conference at his office in Wisma Darul Aman, Kedah today.
Meanwhile, when asked about the state government’s relationship with the federal government, Sanusi said it would be a new beginning and that he was prepared to cooperate for the sake of the Kedah people.
One of the most contentious projects in the development plan is the Kedah Aerotropolis that includes the Kulim International Airport (KXP) in Kuala Muda.
The new airport has been nixed by the federal government during the tabling of the 2023 Budget last year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it was cheaper to expand and upgrade the Penang International Airport and the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang than the RM7 billion needed for KXP. – August 14, 2023