Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s decision to take on eight portfolios in the state executive council has drawn attention. Observers note that while this arrangement might challenge his abilities, it doesn’t violate any rules. According to Abdul Aziz Azizam, a senior lecturer from Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, such decisions need to be considered in the context of the state administration’s dynamics and priorities.
Azizam highlighted that although unusual, Sanusi’s move isn’t entirely unprecedented. For instance, during Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir’s tenure as Kedah menteri besar, he also held numerous portfolios. Similarly, at the federal level, the prime minister manages various roles, including being the head of the government and the finance minister.
Azizam emphasized that specific needs in Kedah might necessitate specialized attention, which could result in different portfolio arrangements compared to the federal level. He also noted that the number of portfolios could be manageable if streamlined according to the administration’s requirements.