According to the New Straits Times, Sanusi said his gripes were with the “Little Napoleons” in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), claiming these officials were out to divide the federal and Kedah governments.

He claimed these “Little Napoleons” were in charge of sending official invitations for the prime minister’s events, and cited the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA) and his alleged removal from the National Finance Council (NFC) as examples.

“I understand how busy the leaders are, so most of the small matters are being handled by the officials and these officials are acting like ‘Little Napoleons’. They intend to make their boss look good, but the way they do it may invite repercussions.

“I’m just being honest here. I hope the prime minister will listen to what I have to say. If the officials are not fit to be there, he should replace them,” Sanusi reportedly said at an Aidilfitri open house at the menteri besar’s official residence in Alor Setar, Kedah.

Last month, Sanusi claimed he was barred from attending events organised by the federal government, including LIMA next month, which will be held in Langkawi, Kedah.

He later claimed there was a concerted effort to remove him from the NFC, though he admitted he did not have any proof to back his claim.

Anwar had filed a defamation suit against Sanusi in December last year over remarks the PAS man made against the PKR president in a campaign speech for the general election last November.

However, Sanusi said the suit was merely a political matter, insisting that there was no personal grudge between him and the prime minister.

“After he was appointed as the prime minister, we have to have government-to-government dealings.”