KUALA LUMPUR – Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has denied any involvement or knowledge of the cattle farming joint-venture project implemented in 2020, following the charges against Padang Serai MP Datuk Azman Nasruddin.
Speaking at a press conference at Wisma Darul Aman, Sanusi clarified that the project was planned before he assumed office as Menteri Besar. At the time, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was the Menteri Besar of Kedah, local media reported.
“I have no information on the matter, as it took place before I became Menteri Besar. I only read about it in the newspapers,” Sanusi said.
He also emphasised that Azman, who is currently facing charges in the Shah Alam Sessions Court, was serving as a member of the state executive council (Exco) when the project was underway.
“The person involved in the case was not me, nor was it my administration. This occurred before 2020, during the previous administration,” Sanusi added.
Azman, who faces charges of abetting corruption over the Fidlot Beef Cattle Project, has pleaded not guilty.
The charges relate to allegations that he facilitated a bribe of RM400,000 to secure the project for a contractor in June 2020.
In response to claims by Azman that the prosecution was politically motivated, Sanusi remarked,
“The individuals involved in the bribes are not the ones charged, which raises some questions. However, since the matter is now before the courts, I cannot comment further.”
Sanusi further explained that the project was initially managed by Kedah Agro Holding Berhad (KAHB), but the company ceased operations last year after implementing a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS).
“After KAHB closed down, it was privatised, and the state government no longer has any involvement,” he said.
Sanusi concluded that the Perikatan Nasional coalition would not take any action against Azman while the case is ongoing. “He is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We will not act against him unless the court determines otherwise,” he said. – December 9, 2025