News From Multiple Perspectives

Sanusi defends 'Tanah Melayu' speech as election heat rises

Published July 27, 2026 at 8:32 AM UTC

Authored by
Every article published on DirectionFreeNews undergoes editorial review by our editorial team. Our editors research publicly available information from multiple trusted news organizations, compare differing perspectives, verify key facts, and publish balanced summaries intended to help readers better understand important events. Our editorial process is designed to reduce editorial bias by considering multiple reputable sources rather than relying on a single viewpoint

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has defended his use of the term 'Tanah Melayu' in a campaign speech, saying it was not intended to question the rights of non-Malay Malaysians. The remark, made during election rallies in Kedah, drew sharp criticism from opposition figures who accused him of stoking racial tensions. Sanusi, a senior leader of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), insisted the phrase referred to the historical name of the Malay Peninsula and was part of his campaign narrative on Malay rights and land ownership. The controversy comes as campaigning intensifies for the upcoming Kedah state election, with coalition partners Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan seeking to unseat the PAS-led state government. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who leads UMNO, advised Sanusi to focus on governance rather than race and religion, while Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, also from PAS, dismissed Zahid's call as unnecessary.