Sanusi’s claim over Penang, mere distraction from his failed governance, mismanagement

Former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng depicted Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s claim over Penang as mere distraction from the latter’s failed governance, mismanagement

“All talk no action. He should not tarry but practice what he preach by going straight to the Federal Court as permitted by Article 128 of the Federal Constitution.

“Let the Federal Court rule and decide whether there is any legal basis or just any show (sandiwara) to score cheap political points to distract attention for his failed governance and economic mismanagement of Kedah,” he said.

Earlier today Sanusi announced that Kedah’s claim over Penang would be taken to court before the end of this year.

He also claimed that the team working on the case are taking the time since they had to conduct research and collect documents.

“Before the end of this year, I expect we will bring the case to court. Our team is working, the legal process involves many technical aspects, and while the team is ready, the angle we will take is still under consideration,” said Sanusi.

Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) meanwhile pointed out the agreement between the British East India Company and the Kedah Sultanate was during the colonial era.

In the present time, Penang just like every other state is only subject to the federal constitution.

“Historical references to agreements involving the British East India Company and the Sultanate of Kedah belong to the colonial era. They do not survive constitutional settlement,” Syerleena said in a rebuke to Sanusi, who now seems more intent than ever to become the first Malaysian leader to challenge the validity of another neighbouring state.

Malaysia is a federation of equals, not a hierarchy of historical claims, said Syerleena.

Allowing one state to assert ownership over another based on pre-constitutional history would destabilise the entire federal structure and undermine the certainty upon which our legal system rests, she said.

“Any legal challenge that ignores these constitutional facts is unlikely to withstand scrutiny. Importantly, it distracts from the real work of governance and cooperation between states—work that Malaysians expect from their leaders.”

For the record Kedah has been receiving a RM10 million per annum as honorarium based on the alleged agreement signed between Francis Light and Kedah Sultanate in 1786.