ALL Penang elected representatives, regardless of party affiliation, have been reminded that their loyalty lies with the sovereignty of Penang.
Lim Guan Eng (PH-Air Putih) made this call towards the end of his debate on Budget 2026 presented by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
“We must collectively resist, without compromise, any malicious attempts to threaten the state’s sovereignty, long upheld and protected by the Federal Constitution, the Council of Rulers, and the State Constitution.
“If our loyalty is divided due to political or party interests, then we betray the state, the people, and the State Constitution. Do not betray the oath we took as ADUNs (State Assembly members) of Penang to defend, protect, and uphold the state’s sovereignty and Constitution,” he said.
Lim’s call followed renewed claims by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor, who asserted that Penang belongs to Kedah and should pay substantially higher lease fees.
In the past, Chow had stated that the state government had never received any legal documents or petition from Kedah, and is prepared to challenge Sanusi’s claim, saying, “See you in court.”
As Lim was nearing the end of his speech, Opposition member Azmi Alang (PN-Telok Ayer Tawar) stood up to express his support for Lim’s views.
“I fully support what was stated by YB Air Putih,” Azmi said, surprising many Pakatan Harapan representatives.
However, he quickly added, “But if all assemblymen are required to unite on this matter, then the state government must also show one heart by providing an allocation to the Opposition.”
Lim countered, clarifying that the state government has not denied the Opposition any allocation, but Azmi explained that his concern was about receiving equal allocation.
During her debate, Connie Tan Hooi Peng (PH-Seri Delima) highlighted that Kedah has no locus standi in its claim over Penang.
“The claim is nothing but a political drama, wasting time, energy, and public funds. Penang is a sovereign state, as enshrined in the Constitution, and the Constitution is the supreme law of the federation. Therefore, it is unconstitutional to claim that Penang belongs to Kedah,” Tan said.
State Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang then told Tan to move on to other matters, as the Kedah MB’s claim had already been addressed. Tan complied, briefly noting that she wanted her views to be officially recorded before continuing with other issues.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian