Penang CM repeats three-year-old dare as Kedah prepares lawsuit over state's status

GEORGE TOWN — “See you in court.”

That was the response of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow when asked to comment on Kedah’s move to initiate legal action regarding the state’s position and its relationship with Penang.

Chow said his answer remained the same as what he gave three years ago when the issue first arose.

“I repeat my answer from three years ago, see you in court, that’s all,” he said at a press conference at the Chief Minister’s Office in Komtar here on Wednesday.

Last year, Chow urged Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to prove his claim in court that Penang belonged to Kedah.

The call came after Sanusi reiterated during a Kedah State Legislative Assembly sitting that Penang was part of Kedah and that the state could “take back” Penang.

Further commenting on the matter, Chow said the Penang government would refer the long-standing issue, which has persisted for the past three years, to the State Legal Adviser.

“So far, we have not received any petition from their side. However, if there is one, in any matter involving legal issues, the first step the state government will take is to refer it to the State Legal Adviser.

“If there is a need to engage additional lawyers, the decision will be made based on the advice and recommendations of the State Legal Adviser. All these matters will be discussed at the State Legal Office,” he explained.

Earlier, Sanusi stated that Kedah was in the final phase of finalising the appointment of a legal team to initiate legal proceedings over the issue.

He said the move followed the concern of the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, who emphasised the need for the matter to be clarified transparently, including issues related to the historical lease.

He added that the Kedah government had appointed a research team comprising historians and legal experts to conduct a comprehensive study on the matter.

According to Sanusi, the effort included carrying out an in-depth analysis, preparing relevant documents and beginning the process of legal action in court.

The team has completed its research and the final report was presented to the State Executive Council members, State Assembly members and relevant Members of Parliament on April 15.