Relax Penangites, it's not so easy for Kedah to take over, say experts
SHAH ALAM - It is almost impossible for Kedah to take over Penang as it would involve amendments to the Federal Constitution, says experts.
Furthermore, lawyer Alex Netto said the process of Kedah taking over Penang would not only require an amendment to the Federal Constitution but it violates the Malaya Agreement.
"I personally don't see this happening, at least in my lifetime, as that would involve a monumental amendment to the Federal Constitution and a breach of the Malaya Agreement," he said to Sinar Daily.
Recently, Menteri Besar Kedah Datuk Seri Muhamad Sanusi Mohd Nor claimed that Penang belongs to Kedah, causing DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng to urge Penangites to lodge a police report against Sanusi.
Former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir said the reason Lim urged Penangites to lodge a police report is to protect the Island's sovereignty.
He said the structure of Malaysia is unique as it allows states to maintain their sovereignty in certain areas such as religion and land while the Federal Government exercises control over matters like healthcare, education, and others across all states.
This division of powers ensures a balance between state autonomy and federal in governing the country, said Salim
"Eventhough we have a central leader in the form of the Prime Minister, the states are lead by a Menteri Besar or a Chief Minister," he said.
Their role is to govern their respective states, address local issues, and implementing state-level policies. The Menteri Besar or Chief Minister is appointed from the political party that forms the majority in the state assembly.
