KUALA LUMPUR: Police have launched an investigation into Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's claim that Penang was under Kedah's ownership, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who described the statements issued by Sanusi as irresponsible, said he had gotten documents related to the claim, including a police report.
"The police have started investigations based on several law provisions to take appropriate action to hinder the continuation of statements that clash with the principles of the constitution and the laws.
"Why was this raised? Yes, it is because of the (upcoming) state elections.
"Why want to be so 'ravenous' (gelojoh) for the state elections that we sacrifice the principles of the constitution and cause chaos?
"(The investigations are being carried) including under the Penal Code and Sedition Act. Part of the report has been submitted to the Attorney-General and are awaiting action," he said in a reply to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) during the ministerial question time today.
Lim had asked the prime minister on the action taken against the Kedah MB for calling for a constitution amendment so that Penang would be returned to Kedah.
Anwar went on to explain that the position of Penang as a state within Malaysia that is separate from Kedah has been clearly stated under Clause (2) Article 1 of the Federal Constitution.
It provides that the federal states consist of the state of Malaya are Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Selangor, Terengganu, as well as Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak.
"Clause (3) Article 71 of the Federal Constitution read with the Eighth Schedule of the Federal Constitution has guaranteed the position of the state constitution, including Penang.
"The existing provisions of the Federal Constitution are the result of agreements between the British government and the Malay Rulers to form the federation, which was the Federation of Malaya Agreements dated Jan 21,1948 (1948 Agreement) and Aug 5,1957.
"Penang is a sovereign state in Malaysia and its position is always guaranteed and has been provided in the Federal Constitution, which is the main law of the federation," he said.
Anwar emphasised that he did not want to prolong the issue which had become a debate of sorts and was leaving it to the Attorney-General to take appropriate action.
"We have gained independence for six decades and there were parties that ruled, but never was this (issue) raised other than an irresponsible leader who is willing to breach the constitution.
"I do not wish to comment further on this issue. It is not a norm for me to stoop so low in the political arena," he said.
Anwar added that attempts to unravel Sanusi's claims would be detrimental as Malaysia has become an independent and sovereign country.
Late last month, Sanusi claimed that Penang was under the ownership of Kedah, and that Perak and Perlis were the only states that had a border with Kedah.
"I'm waiting for confirmation from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia. From what I know, Penang is Kedah's.
"There is no such thing as the Kedah-Penang border. Our state border ends near the island there (Balik Pulau). How can it (Kedah-Penang border) be measured? Which gazette should we use?" he had said.
In response, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said he would take legal action against Sanusi, while the latter said he was prepared to be present in court over his claims.
However, Sanusi said he was prepared to face Chow in court over his claims that Penang is under the ownership of Kedah.
Anwar had also asked Sanusi, who is also the Pas election director, to respect the agreement on the formation of Malaysia as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.