GEORGE TOWN, Nov 11 – The sovereignty of Penang is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, said Penang state exco Wong Hon Wai.
The tourism and creative economy committee chairman said Penang is listed as one of the states forming the Federation, equal in status to all other states, according to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution of 1957.
“This is not only a legal recognition but also reflects Penang’s significant position in the historical and federal structure of Malaysia,” he said in a statement, responding to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
“The Federal Constitution of 1957 marked a new chapter in history and supersedes all documents that preceded it,” he added.
He said Sanusi raising an issue that dates back over 200 years is deeply regrettable.
“The Kedah MB should focus on attracting investments and planning development in this state rather than initiating an unproductive polemic,” he said.
Yesterday, Sanusi reportedly said Kedah is in the process of appointing a legal team to begin legal action over Penang’s relationship with Kedah.
He claimed that the actions taken would be based on historical facts and legal grounds.
In 2021, Kedah demanded RM100 million from the federal government in lease royalties for Penang. The federal government used to pay RM10,000 annually on behalf of Penang before raising the sum to RM10 million in 2018.
