ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today told cabinet ministers to take heed of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for a smoother cooperation between Putrajaya and state governments.
Sanusi said Kedah, as one of the four opposition states, has no issue cooperating with the federal government because the matter is enshrined by the Constitution.
"Everything is spelt out. That is what we have been doing. There's no issue."
He said this at the State Legislative Assembly after presenting the 2025 Kedah Budget today.
However, the Perikatan Nasional Jeneri assemblyman said things could get difficult if some ministers played hardball with opposition states.
"Perhaps people at the federal level want to show their power, refusing to hold meetings, unable to allocate time to call for a meeting (with state governments), yet have time to launch a service centre.
"On behalf of the state government, I am observing what is happening.
"It's important that not only our side is offering cooperation, but federal ministers also have to show a similar attitude."
On this issue, Sanusi commended Anwar for having a clear understanding of the importance of state-federal cooperation.
"I am confident that the prime minister understands this because he has been in government for a period of time.
"But some ministers are at a loss. So they should just listen to the prime minister."
He was responding to Anwar's call on state leaders, including menteris besar from opposition-ruled states, to put aside their political differences and ensure a smooth cooperation between the federal and state governments for the benefit of the people.
Anwar made the call during a townhall session at the Two Years of Madani Government anniversary and the National Convention on Civil Service Reform in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar was reported as saying meetings between the federal government and state governments had proceeded smoothly.
He said he had also instructed ministers to visit states and hold discussions with menteris besar, including those from the opposition.