Why is Kedah MB being blamed for the RM40 billion Langkasuka project withdrawal?

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Kedah Menteri Besar Denies Responsibility for Langkasuka Project Withdrawal

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has expressed confusion over why he and the state government are being blamed for Bin Zayed International (BZI) Group's withdrawal from the RM40 billion Langkasuka development. He stated that the project was a private partnership and that companies withdrawing from investments is a common occurrence, questioning the renewed focus on this issue. Sanusi further clarified that the collaboration was announced by the then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, not the Kedah government, and suggested that inquiries should be directed to Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abd Aziz, who was the finance minister at the time.
Project Nature and Withdrawal Context

The RM40 billion Langkasuka development was envisioned as a significant undertaking involving the construction of 1,000 acres of artificial islands in the shape of an eagle near Langkawi International Airport. In 2021, Widad Business Group Sdn Bhd partnered with BZI for this ambitious mixed-development project, known as Widad@Langkasuka. Bin Zayed International (M) Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Dr Shamir Kumar Nandy confirmed that BZI ceased its involvement in 2022, citing that the company no longer perceived value in the project.
Sanusi's Stance on State Government's Role

Sanusi emphasised that the Langkasuka development was a private partnership, implying that the state government's direct financial or operational involvement was minimal. He stated his bafflement at being singled out for blame, asserting his lack of connection to Bin Zayed International and his unfamiliarity with the firm. This perspective suggests that any losses or implications arising from the withdrawal should be borne by the private entities directly involved in the partnership.
Political Accusations and Calls for Explanation

The criticism directed at Sanusi and the Kedah state government appears to stem from political opposition. Specifically, Kedah PKR Youth chief Dr Taufiq Johari urged Sanusi to account for the withdrawal, attributing it to perceived weaknesses in the state government's leadership. This political framing suggests an attempt to hold the state administration responsible for the project's stalled progress, despite Sanusi's claims of it being a private venture.
Shifting Responsibility for Project Initiation

Sanusi indicated that the initial announcement and collaboration for the Langkasuka project were made during the tenure of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister. He also pointed towards Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abd Aziz, who served as finance minister at the time, as a more appropriate recipient of questions regarding the project's initiation and subsequent developments. This strategic deflection aims to shift the focus away from the current Kedah state government and towards federal leadership during the project's formative stages.

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Why is Kedah MB being blamed for the RM40 billion Langkasuka project withdrawal?

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