Kedah's plan to review Penang lease not against Constitution: PAS MP

The Kedah government's plan to review its rights over Penang is not intended to challenge the Federal Constitution or the state’s sovereignty as claimed by certain parties, said Pokok Sena MP Ahmad Saad.

The PAS lawmaker argued that the Kedah government is acting within its constitutional rights.

“It’s not about challenging the Constitution or a state’s sovereignty. Rather, Kedah is speaking up for its rights, which is also guaranteed by the Constitution.

"The matter was also ordered by the Kedah ruler, in conjunction with his 81st reign day in 2023, that Penang’s status must be clarified based on facts without prejudice.

“So, the Kedah government’s plan must be respected by all parties because their action is guided by the law and they have no intention to challenge Penang’s sovereignty," he said during a press conference in Parliament today.

On Nov 10, Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor said his administration is in the final stages of selecting a legal team in a bid to get a higher royalty over Penang’s lease from the state.

He is eyeing to get RM100 million from the federal government, adding that his administration has already appointed several historians and legal experts to conduct a comprehensive study of the matter.

Constitution vs historical claims

Yesterday, Pakatan Harapan MPs stressed that the Federal Constitution supersedes any historical claim over Penang, which the Kedah government is making.

Ramkarpal Singh (Harapan-Bukit Gelugor) said that the Federal Constitution guarantees the sovereignty of all states – in response to an opposition MP claiming Penang is a leased property of the Kedah sultanate.

Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) said the Kedah government receives more than RM10 million yearly from Putrajaya for Penang’s lease.

"We PN MPs fully support the Kedah government's move to form a legal team after analysis by historical experts to take (this issue) to court.

"Eventually, the lease will have an expiration date, so this must be clarified," he said at the same press conference.

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