GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has reaffirmed that the state’s sovereignty is clearly established under the Federal Constitution of 1957.
This comes amid renewed comments from Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor questioning the state’s historical status.
In a statement today, state executive council member Wong Hon Wai said Penang’s position as a sovereign state within Malaysia is constitutionally protected.
“The sovereignty of the state of Penang has been enshrined in the Federal Constitution of 1957,” he said.
Wong’s remarks came after Sanusi said Kedah was finalising the appointment of a legal team to initiate action regarding the state’s position and relationship with Penang.
He said the move follows the concern of the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, who called for the matter to be resolved transparently.
Wong cited Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution, which lists Penang as one of the constituent states of the federation, equal in status to all other Malaysian states.
According to Wong, this recognition is not only legal, but also reflects Penang’s historical and structural importance within Malaysia.
“The 1957 Federal Constitution marks a new chapter in the nation’s history and supersedes all prior documents,” he added.
Wong said Sanusi‘s remarks were regrettable as it revisits issues dating back over two centuries.
He called the move unproductive.
“It is unfortunate that the Kedah menteri besar has chosen to revive matters that are more than 200 years old.
“He should instead focus his efforts on attracting investments and driving development in his own state, rather than creating unnecessary polemics,” he stressed.
In 2021, Kedah had demanded RM100 million in Penang lease royalties from the federal government, as the amount had not been reassessed since 1786.
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