PAS leaders continue to be unrepentant by following the lead of Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor who made a public speech doubting the sovereignty of Penang. The PAS Pokok Sena Member of Parliament Ahmad Yahaya even said in Parliament on 28 February that the sovereignty of Penang originated from Kedah.
This is an open contempt and challenge to the authority and legitimacy of the Federal Constitution that gives shape, life and legal powers of Penang as one of the 13 sovereign states that constitute the Federation of Malaysia under Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution. Sanusi reportedly said he doubted Penang’s sovereignty as the state was “leased from Kedah” and wanted higher lease payments from Putrajaya.
Sanusi can seek higher lease payments from Putrajaya but he should not be so extreme and irresponsible as to make his demands at the expense of doubting the sovereignty of Penang and by extension questioning the legitimacy of the Federal Constitution. Sanusi should first explain why he never made such demands for higher lease payments from Putrajaya when PN was in power from 2020-2022.
Questioning the sovereignty of a state like Penang is a serious transgression of the Federal Constitution and the powers conferred under its authority. This includes questioning the powers, authority and prerogative of the King. PAS leaders are now so bold and confident of their electoral successes from the “green wave” that they can even challenge the fundamental basis of the Federal Constitution.
For those who fail to grasp the gravity or comprehend the severity of doubting the sovereignty of Penang, is akin to questioning the citizenship of an individual Malaysian. Questioning the sovereignty of Penang is no different from questioning the right of Penang to exist, function and operate as a democratic state granted under the powers of the Federal Constitution.
To defend the Federal Constitution and the sovereign right of Penang to exist as a state in the Federation of Malaysia, DAP MP for Jelutong RSN Rayer had lodged a police report against Sanusi. If Sanusi refuses to withdraw and apologise for his inflammatory remarks that have offended the feelings of 1.8 million Penangites, then action should be taken.