KEDAH Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s handling of the demolition of Hindu temples in his state shows his arrogance and tactlessness, said the National Patriots Association (Patriot).

Instead of being composed and calmly explaining the actual situation, Sanusi hit out his critics with his “drunk on the toddy of popularity” remark, said Patriot president Brig (Retd) Mohamed Arshad Raji in a statement today.

“This has become a racial slur and it reflects high handedness, tactlessness, arrogance among those in power, and a level of their intelligence much less to be desired,” he added, regarding Sanusi’s defence of the state government’s act in demolishing the Sri Raja Muniswarar Temple in Kuala Kedah.

Just before that, the century old Sree Madurai Veeran Temple in Jalan Keretapi, a place of worship by Malayan railway workers during the colonial era, was also demolished.

Sanusi justified the demolitions on the grounds that the temples had been constructed unlawfully in the first place.

He had then slammed MIC and DAP leaders who criticised his actions by urging them not to appear “drunk on two to three bottles after only consuming one”, adding they were “drunk on the toddy of popularity” and desired to become “champions of race”.

When deflecting further criticism, Sanusi then lashed out at his accusers for understanding the Malay language and proverb, by giving the example of ‘mabuk cinta’.

“The people need not be taught of the Malay language metaphors and proverbs. It is he who should be taught how to conduct himself as a respected leader.

“Such outburst shows his arrogance has overshadowed his articulation skill and level of intelligence, a trait many of his peers often portray in the august parliament house,” said Arshad.

The army veteran said Sanusi’s stereotyping of his critics of one ethnic group as drunks was totally unacceptable.

He also said that the PAS-led Kedah state government should have employed tactfulness and mutual understanding in handling sensitive issues such as temple demolitions.

“The local authority should have given enough time for all parties to come to a mutually agreed decision for an alternative site of the temple.

“As for the century-old temple, there is nothing wrong, and even progressive thinking to preserve it for historical purposes and turn into a tourist attraction site,” he said. – December 10, 2020.