Penang Chief Minister Hits Back at Kedah’s Claim Over State Ownership

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has responded to Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor’s claim that Kedah owns Penang, calling it “seditious” and “disrespectful” to Penang’s sovereignty under the Federal Constitution.

Chow made the statement in his winding-up speech on the 2025 state budget, saying that Kedah should take the matter to court if it is still adamant about its claim over Penang.

A Brief History of Penang’s Ownership

According to historical accounts, the Kedah sultanate leased Penang island and Province Wellesley (now Seberang Perai) to the British in 1791 for 10,000 Spanish dollars. Over time, the East India Company obtained the land from the sultan of Kedah in exchange for military protection and an annual payment in perpetuity.

Modern-Day Developments

After Merdeka, the federal government began paying an annual honorarium of RM10,000, which was increased to RM10 million in 2018 by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Sanusi previously said he regarded the honorarium as a “lease payment” and had asked that it be raised to RM100 million a year since Penang was “doing well.”

Chow’s Response

Chow urged Sanusi to honour the Federal Constitution and refrain from making such remarks, which he has been doing since he became menteri besar in 2020. He also suggested that Kedah explore legal avenues if it intends to pursue the matter further.

A Call to Unity

Chow called on all assembly members, including those from Perikatan Nasional, to stand united on the issue, saying that Penang is a sovereign state under the Federal Constitution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has rejected Kedah’s claim over the state, calling it “seditious” and “disrespectful” to Penang’s sovereignty under the Federal Constitution. He urged Kedah to take the matter to court if it is still adamant about its claim, and called on all assembly members to stand united on the issue.

FAQs

What is the history of Penang’s ownership? Penang was leased to the British by the Kedah sultanate in 1791, and later obtained by the East India Company in exchange for military protection and an annual payment in perpetuity.

What is the current situation with the honorarium paid by the federal government? The federal government has been paying an annual honorarium of RM10 million to Penang, which was increased from RM10,000 in 2018.

What is Kedah’s claim over Penang? Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor has claimed that Kedah owns Penang, but Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has rejected this claim, saying it is “seditious” and “disrespectful” to Penang’s sovereignty under the Federal Constitution.