In a bold statement that underscores the escalating tensions between Penang and Kedah, Penang’s Deputy Chief Minister Jagdeep Singh Deo has unequivocally declared that Penang PAS remains steadfastly loyal to the state. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite their reluctance to openly challenge Kedah’s demands for a higher ‘lease payment,’ Jagdeep insists that PAS’s allegiance to Penang is unshakable. ‘They are definitely with the state,’ he affirmed during the state-level Deepavali open house, emphasizing Penang’s unity and resolve. And this is the part most people miss: Jagdeep, also the Datuk Keramat assemblyman, sidestepped questions about whether he would press the 11 Perikatan Nasional assemblymen—including seven from PAS—to clarify their stance during the upcoming state assembly sessions.
The issue has already sparked heated debates, with Penang PAS information chief Fawwaz Jan urging that the matter be handled through legal channels without political interference. However, this stance drew sharp criticism from Penang DAP chief Steven Sim, who argued that voters deserve transparency on whether their representatives will side with Kedah’s Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor. Sanusi has been relentless in his push for a higher lease payment, claiming that the federal government’s annual payment on Penang’s behalf has historically been inadequate—a mere RM10,000 until 2018, when it was raised to RM10 million.
Here’s the kicker: Sanusi’s argument hinges on the 1791 lease agreement between the Kedah Sultanate and the British, which he claims covered both territories for 10,000 Spanish dollars. Yet, Penang’s government counters that the sultanate effectively ceded the territories post-Merdeka, and historians have pointed out the absence of any formal lease document, suggesting the ‘lease’ narrative may be a historical misinterpretation.
Jagdeep, a former lawyer, dismissed Kedah’s demands as unconstitutional and warned against threats, stating, ‘This government doesn’t take threats lightly. We are a law-fearing state, and we’re ready to face any challenge.’ His words highlight Penang’s unwavering stance, but they also raise a thought-provoking question: Is Kedah’s pursuit of a higher lease payment a legitimate historical claim or a politically motivated move?
As tensions rise and legal battles loom, one thing is clear: Penang is not backing down. But what do you think? Is Kedah’s claim justified, or is Penang’s resistance the right course of action? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.