CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Padang Kota) reaffirmed today that Penang is a sovereign state within Malaysia, separate from Kedah as stipulated under the Federal Constitution.
Addressing claims made by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor during the recent Kedah State Assembly session, Chow reiterated that Penang does not belong to Kedah.
“On behalf of the state and people of Penang, I would like to reiterate my stand on the matter. I hope that Sanusi can show respect and refrain from making such statements again.
“If Kedah wishes to pursue ownership of Penang, then they can proceed to bring the matter to court, instead of repeating the claim outside court.
“I hope all the state assemblymen, including the Opposition, be on my side on this matter,” he said during the State Legislative Assembly Session today.
Under Clause (2) Article 1 of the Federal Constitution, it stipulates that the federal states consist of the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Selangor, Terengganu, as well as Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak.