Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has come under scrutiny for holding too many portfolios in the new state government, including in areas he could be accused of having conflicts of interest.

Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) chairman Edmund Terence Gomez said holding so many portfolios could hinder the check and balance processes of the state, especially when he is also in charge of state finances.

“Different people should hold such crucial positions. This is to allow check and balance (within the state government), which is how a proper democratic system works,” Gomez was reported as saying in FMT today.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/08/27/inappropriate-for-sanusi-to-hold-8-portfolios-says-c4/

The economist said another issue was Sanusi holding both the land resources and the mineral and geoscience portfolios, especially as the PAS leader faces allegations linking him to the illegal extraction of rare earth elements (REE).

“Since there has been a series of allegations made against him in the REE scandal, it would have been in his best interests not to control the portfolio.

“Someone else should hold the portfolio so there can be a check and balance when determining how land resources are being utilised by the state. This will help inspire transparency and accountability in governance,” he said.

Gomes suggested the number of portfolios in the state executive council be reduced as it affects the coordination and implementation of policies.

“Since there are far too many committees, it would be better for them to merge portfolios. The fewer committees you have, the better the coordination.

“This will facilitate the process of creating and implementing policies,” he said.

Sanusi, who is Jeneri assemblyman, heads the committees for state planning, mineral and geoscience, land resources, finance, state-linked companies, state Economic Action Council, development, and external relations. – August 27, 2023.