THE Penang State Assembly will be urging Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to withdraw his speech and apologise to the people of Penang for questioning Penang’s sovereignty and the validity of the Federal Constitution.
The members of the august House unanimously voted for the uninformed motion (usul tanpa beritahu) tabled by Lim Guan Eng (PH-Air Putih) this afternoon.
Muhammad Sanusi had reportedly said in his speech during the recent youth event in Alor Setar that he doubted Penang’s sovereignty as the state was ‘leased from Kedah’.
Lim said Muhammad Sanusi’s speech which was fuelled by extremist sentiments and openly doubted the sovereignty of the state has caused dissatisfaction among the people of Penang.
“The Kedah MB is entitled and free to demand a higher land lease payment from the Federal Government.
“However, he should not, without provocation by any party, doubt the sovereignty of Penang.
“What is the connection between the demand for higher land lease payments from the Federal Government to Kedah, and doubting the sovereignty of Penang?
“Secondly, is he sincere about demanding higher land lease payments from the Federal Government to Kedah? Why didn’t he dare to make the same demand when Perikatan Nasional was the Federal Government? Why demand now when Kedah is an Opposition state?” Lim questioned when tabling the motion.
Lim pressed on: “Why hasn’t he mentioned Perlis since he stated that Penang is under the auspices of Kedah?
“He (Muhammad Sanusi) should read the Federal Constitution or get advice from his legal experts. It is the Federal Constitution which recognises Penang as a sovereign state of Malaysia,” he said.
Defending Muhammad Sanusi, Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (PN-Penaga) denied any provocation made by Muhammad Sanusi in his speech.
“I see the matter as Muhammad Sanusi was seeking higher land lease payment from the Federal Government.
“The British, followed by the Federal Government paid Kedah on behalf of Penang. Is it wrong for Kedah to demand higher land lease payments from the Federal Government?
“The question about Penang’s sovereignty did not arise. He has only demanded higher land lease payments from the Federal Government,” Mohd Yusni said.
Later, Lim played a video clip extract of Muhammad Sanusi’s speech using his mobile phone to prove his point.
“Yang saya ragu tentang kedaulatan hanyalah Pulau Pinang kerana negeri dia adalah negeri yang dipajak daripada Kedah,” the extract was heard.
Lim then said: “I am deeply sorry that the representatives from PAS and Perikatan Nasional in Penang have failed to defend the state’s sovereignty.
“When the state’s sovereignty is questioned, we must put aside our political interests and dare to defend Penang. Are these PAS and Perikatan Nasional representatives qualified to represent Penang by remaining silent in this critical moment?
“Imagine how alarming it would be if this group which has questioned the validity of the Federal Constitution and doubted Penang’s sovereignty succeeded in capturing Penang in the upcoming state election. It is clear that they are not qualified to be the Penang government,” Lim added.
Muhammad Faiz Fadzil (PH-Permatang Pasir) also debated the motion.
“I am sure many of us here in this House have seen or heard the speech by the Kedah MB on social media. He clearly questioned Penang’s sovereignty.
“It was not about demanding higher land lease payments from the Federal Government. There are proper channels available for him to demand higher land lease payments from the Federal Government if that was his intention.
“His speech was meant to provoke, and this was not his first time doing so. A few years back, he said that he would block the river if Penang does not pay the raw water bill to Kedah. Now, the same MB attempted to provoke.”
Muhammad Faiz said: “I was born in Kedah (anak Kedah). And we have many representatives here from different states.”
“This is Penang, an authoritative state which can meraikan anak-anak di luar Pulau Pinang yang bermastautin di negeri ini (celebrate the success of those who reside in Penang).
“We must have the integrity to defend the sovereignty of the state because we are rakyat Pulau Pinang.
“Don’t be a Penangite, a Penang voter, and someone who has benefitted so much from the state but is so afraid to defend Penang’s sovereignty. Instead, willing to defend the provocation by the Kedah MB. Why?” he questioned.
Penang Opposition Leader Datuk Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Nor (BN-Sungai Dua) said he is an anak Pulau Pinang.
“I was born and have lived in Penang for 60 years.
“Every country or state has its own history. We have to learn and understand history.
“Most importantly, I want to stress that according to the Constitution, Penang exists as a state.
“I support this motion. The Kedah MB must be careful when he speaks.
“We must think before we speak. Consider the feelings of others. Don’t question Penang’s sovereignty which is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“I understand the feelings of Penangites. I am also a Penangite.
“Kerana pulut, santan binasa; kerana mulut, badan binasa (a Malay proverb warning against sacrificing one’s reputation for temporary gain, and to be mindful of one’s actions and words),” Muhamad Yusoff said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang government takes the statement by Muhammad Sanusi seriously.
“The Kedah MB could expose himself to an offence under the Sedition Act because his speech creates feelings of ill-will between the people of two states.
“The statement by the Kedah MB (who questioned Penang’s sovereignty) requires the Kedah government to bring the matter to the court. This is because it is not solely against the Penang government, but indirectly, questions the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the ‘penjaga’ (guardian) of the states without a Raja (Ruler).
“The speech by the Kedah MB is a serious legal matter for which he can strengthen his statement from the legal aspect in court. Then both state governments can be given the opportunity to explain the legal position more clearly in relation to the matter.
“Penang’s position as a sovereign state cannot be denied as it is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“Article 88 of the Federal Constitution has also indirectly recognised the states without a Raja, such as Penang, to enforce their rights and sovereignty.
“Regarding the demarcations as enshrined under Article 2 of the Federal Constitution, the Kedah and Penang (Alteration of Boundary) Act 1985 (Act 325) can be used as a strong support to the matter concerning Penang’s sovereignty.
“Act 325 stipulates the agreement on the alteration of boundary made between Kedah and Penang, and this Act was made and subjected to the approval of the Council of Rulers,” Chow said.
Chow said the sovereignty of each state is limited to the demarcation areas that have been agreed upon between the two states (Kedah and Penang), in accordance with Article 2 of the Federal Constitution.