Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed disappointment over Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's ongoing political attacks despite federal efforts to develop Kedah. Anwar said, "Even though Kedah is governed by PAS, I do not think that way. I think about my responsibility. I want to help my people, I want to help Malaysia" [1].

On July 10, 2026, Anwar brought Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Bukit Kayu Hitam to officiate a new road alignment linking Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam immigration checkpoint with Thailand’s Sadao checkpoint. The project aims to boost the border economy benefiting Perlis and Kedah, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to regional development [1, 2, 3]. Anwar said, "I'm helping your state. I brought the Prime Minister of Thailand all the way to Bukit Kayu Hitam - not even Kuala Lumpur - because I want to help the people" [2].

Muhammad Sanusi mocked Anwar, accusing him of acting as if every state depends on the federal government since coming to power. He said the Prime Minister's approach overstates federal control and undermines state autonomy [1, 2, 3]. Anwar rejected this criticism, stressing that the federal government does not discriminate against states governed by opposition parties, including PAS in Kedah. He reiterated his commitment to helping all Malaysians regardless of political alignment [1, 2, 3].

Anwar also criticized PAS for signaling willingness to support Umno in forming the Johor state government, calling the move contradictory and an attempt to "gang up against PH." He stated, "They all gang up against PH. Pas says it is willing to support Umno as long as it is not PH. What kind of politics is this? Where are the principles?" [2].

On the same day, July 10, Anwar attended the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Grand Finale programme in the Layang-Layang state constituency and four other PH campaign events in Johor ahead of the state election on July 11. These five events saw Anwar actively supporting PH candidates to retain their mandate [1, 3].

Anwar further stated that if the federal government remains stable and PH keeps its mandate, plans exist to increase the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) assistance program, citing prudent financial management as a factor enabling this support [1, 3].