GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s status as a state within the Federation of Malaysia is clearly defined in the Federal Constitution and is not open to dispute, says Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim Chee Keong.
He said the party would continue to uphold the Constitution and defend Penang’s sovereignty from any attempt to cast doubt on it.
Sim also urged Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to prioritise the development and welfare of Kedahans instead of engaging in repeated political provocation.
He said on Thursday (Nov 13) that PAS and Perikatan Nasional leaders in Penang must state clearly whether they support Kedah PAS’s renewed claim over Penang.
Sim was responding to an earlier statement by Penang PAS, which said it welcomed efforts to resolve Kedah’s claim “through legal means” following the Sultan of Kedah’s request that the matter be brought to court.
Penang PAS described the legal route as “the best way to ensure justice based on verified historical and legal facts”.
It said the issue should not be politicised and involved “diplomatic and legal ties” between the governments of Kedah, Penang and the Federation.
The party also urged all parties to respect the judicial process and refrain from issuing remarks that could inflame tensions. It expressed hope that the case would “reveal historical truths distorted by colonial powers” and help Malaysians better understand the rights and positions of the states.
Penang PAS further said DAP should uphold its commitment to the rule of law by allowing the matter to be decided in court “instead of shaping it through political narratives that could mislead the public”.
Sanusi recently said a team of Kedah government lawyers, acting on the Sultan’s wishes, was preparing a case to review Penang’s sovereignty.
