Sanusi said a strong opposition in the legislative assembly would be able to keep the Penang government on its toes regarding its policies.

He also said giving another seat to Pakatan Harapan was futile as it already holds a two-thirds majority in the state assembly, while PH’s Joohari Ariffin would be reduced to a backbencher with little influence if he was elected assemblyman.

“Despite his high qualifications, (Joohari) will just follow orders without being able to speak out. Will he be made an executive councillor or a deputy chief minister? Or even the chief minister? At least by being in the opposition, you are free to say whatever you want.

“Though it might seem small, this by-election will send an important signal to the federal government. We hope for a turnout of more than 70%, higher than the usual 60% to 63% for by-elections,” he told FMT while campaigning for PN’s Abidin Ismail at Simpang Ampat here today.

Sanusi claimed that if Joohari was elected, he might suffer the same fate as Norlela Ariffin, a former two-term assemblyman and executive council member, who “would cry after being sidelined” despite being part of the ruling coalition.

Norlela, the former Penanti assemblyman, had made emotional displays in the state assembly in the past to ask for projects to be approved in her constituency.

Sanusi, who is also the Kedah menteri besar, expressed confidence that PN would win the Sungai Bakap seat, citing the big turnout at last night’s ceramah in Sungai Duri.