Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has found himself at the center of controversy as he defends his growing popularity on social media, particularly on the platform TikTok.
Despite facing criticism for his early morning ‘live’ sessions, Sanusi asserts that his actions are well within legal and religious bounds.
‘I sing live on TikTok also became an issue’
In a recent statement, Sanusi emphasised the importance of utilising social media platforms to connect with diverse segments of society, arguing that the influence of these platforms cannot be ignored.
He dismissed the controversy surrounding his TikTok activities as trivial compared to more significant issues, such as the Ashabul Kahfi matter linked to the Prime Minister.
“I sing ‘live’ early in the morning on TikTok also became an issue.
“Taking advantage of every space, especially social media, was not wrong because it has great influence,” Sanusi declared.
Confronting edited videos and false narratives
Sanusi claimed political rivals of intentionally magnifying inconsequential issues to divert attention from more pressing concerns.
He pointed out that edited videos circulated by adversaries aimed to create a narrative that overshadowed substantive issues.
Undeterred, Sanusi asserted that he welcomed differing viewpoints and considered them attempts to distract from more critical matters.
“I just accept their point of view because it was made an issue to cover the Ashabul Kahfi issue, that’s their goal,” he said regarding the political enemies exploiting certain parts of the video for their narrative.
Sanusi’s participation and defense of his activities
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) elections director-general highlighted the deliberate misrepresentation of his TikTok content, attributing sensational captions to incite controversy.
He contended that his popularity on the platform has drawn ire from certain quarters, suggesting that success in penetrating such a significant market irked some political opponents, reported Sinar Daily.
“If there is no effect, they will not care, the ‘live’ market has millions of followers. There is no party, there is no leader. Whoever dares to enter the ‘world’ will have results, if there are others who can penetrate, please,” he said, addressing those who criticised his success in reaching a large audience on TikTok.
Sanusi defended his participation in a TikTok ‘live’ session, clarifying that he was invited as a guest by the account owner—a woman who had been running the segment for an extended period.
‘As long as it’s not illegal I will do it’
He emphasised that the content was not intended to attract followers in the morning or afternoon, and he sang alone, accompanied by his wife and eldest son behind the scenes.
“As long as it’s not illegal I will do it. If we have a big influence, it’s easier to get followers anywhere. So use whatever medium is available, don’t underutilise it,” he said.
As the election director, Sanusi advocated for diverse approaches to gain influence and support, maintaining that he would use any legal means available.
‘Ustazs, guide people to be closer to us‘
He encouraged religious preachers to engage with the community, particularly the youth, advising against misunderstandings and criticisms within the religious community.
“Ustazs, guide people to be closer to us, don’t misunderstand each other and criticise each other. (Until) there is a group that will go to the ‘fun’ things on the other side,” he said.
Despite criticism from a celebrity preacher who deemed his TikTok activities inappropriate for a leader of an Islamic party, Sanusi remains undeterred, asserting that he will continue to leverage every available medium to connect with the public.
