The Barisan Nasional candidate questioned the PAS leader’s ability to lead Kedah, saying he had nothing to be proud of as there had been no significant progress in his constituency since he became the menteri besar in 2020.

“His so-called popularity has not translated into any real benefits for the people of Sik, especially in Jeneri,” Khizri told FMT.

“Can he show what he has done for Sik in the past three years? Looking at the education sector, the SPM results here were among the worst in Malaysia.”

He said there was no point in Sanusi being well-known across the country due to his controversies, when he should be using his position to improve the daily lives of Kedahans.

Khizri also highlighted the lack of essential facilities in Jeneri where, he said, there was not even a single bank branch. He said residents were forced to travel to Sik town, Gurun, Teloi Timur or Kuala Ketil just to withdraw money.

On Sanusi’s announcement that RM40 billion worth of foreign investment was coming to the state, Khizri claimed that checks with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) showed that the figures did not amount to that much.

The Umno leader said that if he wins the seat at the coming polls, his main priorities would be to improve the level of education, the lives of poor families, and to develop the constituency.