ALOR STAR: The ongoing dispute over Kedah's demand for compensation from Penang for raw water supply should not be politicised, said Kedah Umno information chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin.
Shaiful called for all parties to respect the court's impending decision, emphasising the importance of avoiding further politicisation of the matter.
"I personally agree that this dispute should be resolved through the existing legal framework. If the court issues a ruling, I urge everyone to accept it with an open heart and refrain from politicising the issue," he said in a statement today.
Shaiful expressed concern that the issue could escalate into an unending "sentiment war," especially after the Kedah government failed to fulfil major promises.
"The Kedah government has not delivered on key promises such as the RM2.5 billion agreement to develop Kulim International Airport (KXP), a racing circuit, and addressing several public issues," he added.
Shaiful acknowledged the potential benefits Kedah could gain from the RM50 million annually that might be collected from water charges paid by the Penang government.
"However, the burden of proof lies with the state government. I hope they thoroughly prepare their agreements and documentation to support their claims.
"Surely, the Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor) and the Kedah government know if they have the necessary resources and a strong case to bring this dispute to court. I sincerely hope this claim is not driven by political motives," he added.
Last month, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said although the issue has been raised since 2010, the Penang government had never received any formal legal claims from Kedah regarding compensation for raw water supply.
Chow also said if the Kedah government was serious about its claims, it should pursue them through proper legal channels.
Yesterday, Sanusi said Kedah was preparing to sue the Penang government to seek compensation for the use of raw water.
He said Penang's insistence on pursuing legal action left him with no choice but to bring the matter to court.
In response, Chow said he is prepared to face his Kedah counterpart in court over this ongoing dispute.