Penang-Kedah water tussle to be discussed over nasi kandar

The on-going debate over whether Penang should pay for raw water from Kedah may soon come to an amicable conclusion over a meal of Nasi Kandar.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has publicly expressed his interest in discussing the issue over a plate of the popular Indian Muslim cuisine.

The "water-talks" shall be over a Nasi Kandar meal at a restaurant of Mukhriz's choice, Lim told reporters several times, pushing for the meeting to be held soon to resolve the issue.

When told of this request, Mukhriz (left) said with a smile, "Okay, I don't mind. I love Penang food".

He also said he would be writing to Lim soon as the latter is waiting for an invitation from Kedah.

"I thought our respective state secretariats can meet first and have some initial discussions over the issue, but Lim does not want that," Mukhriz said when met at his official residence in Mentaloon, Kedah yesterday.

"So it's now up to me. He is waiting for me to issue him an invitation. I will write to him," he said, when told about Lim's remark that he was waiting for an invitation letter from Mukhriz.

Lim had said he broached the matter with Mukhriz when he bumped into the latter several times at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Mukhriz did not dispute the matter, acknowledging that the two had indeed met on “several occasions”.

Big surprise for Guan Eng
But Lim does not know yet that Mukriz may have a surprise for him in regards to the water deal.

Mukriz hinted that it would be a deal that the DAP secretary-general may not be able to reject.

"It would be a win-win situation (for both states)," said Mukhriz, who also announced in Alor Setar yesterday that he would be going for the Umno vice-president post, alongside five others, including three ministers.

"I know he has said no to paying for raw water but maybe we can suggest some kind of cooperation which will benefit both sides," he added.

When asked if the deal involves Penang paying a reasonable amount for raw water while Kedah manages its forest reserves, Mukhriz said "He (Lim) already said he does not agree to that".

Lim has strongly rejected calls by Kedah to pay for raw water from the Sungai Muda river which flows over Penang's boundaries.

Lim, who is PBAPP (Penang Water Authority) chairperson, insisted that it was against international law to ask a state or country to pay for water, a natural resource and basic needs of the community.

But Kedah has been insisting that Penang contribute accordingly to help the state improve its coffers.